**Early Life and Education**
Yoo Youngkuk, a pivotal figure in South Korea's modern art scene, was born in 1916 in Uljin, South Korea. His journey into the world of abstract painting began with his graduation from the oil painting department of Bunka Gakuin University in Tokyo in 1938. This marked the inception of his profound engagement with Western abstract painting, influenced by interactions with Japanese pioneers Murai Masanari and Hasegawa Saburo.
**Artistic Career and Contributions**
- **Pioneering Abstract Painting**:
Yoo Youngkuk is celebrated as the first Korean abstract painter, setting the stage for a new era in Korean art.
- **Founding Member of Sinsasil-pa (New Realism Group)**: Alongside Kim Whanki and Lee Kyusang, he established this group in 1948, the first avant-garde movement in Korea.
- **Teaching at Seoul National University**: For two years,
Yoo Youngkuk shared his expertise as a professor.
**Artistic Style and Themes**
- **Mountain Motifs**: Known as "the painter of mountains," his works often featured mountainous landscapes, reflecting his deep connection with nature.
- **Evolution from Color Fields to Geometric Forms**: Post-1963,
Yoo Youngkuk's style transitioned towards more geometric forms, showcasing his versatility.
**Legacy and Later Life**
- Despite being confined to a wheelchair due to numerous illnesses from the 1960s,
Yoo Youngkuk continued to paint until three years before his passing in 2002 at the age of 86.
- Evaluated by Monthly Art magazine as the most outstanding among over a hundred Korean artists.
**Viewing Yoo Youngkuk's Works at WahooArt.com**
- **Discover
Yoo Youngkuk's Masterpieces**: Explore his abstract paintings, including
Work,
Morning, and more at WahooArt.com.
- **Learn About Other Artists**: Delve into the profiles of fellow Korean artists like
Chun Sang-Bom on WahooArt.com.
- **Visit WahooArt.com's Mixed Subjects Section**: Uncover a wide range of art styles and periods at The Museum City Art Gallery (New Zealand) and other global art destinations.
- **Explore the City Art Centre, Edinburgh**: Discover Scottish art at this premier UK museum, featured on WahooArt.com.
**Experience the transformative power of Yoo Youngkuk's abstract paintings, a testament to his enduring legacy in Korean modern art.**