Pioneering Korean fiber artist Song Burnsoo dies at 83
On June 15, Song Burnsoo, an influential fiber artist who left a lasting mark on Korean contemporary art, passed away at the age of 83. His death was announced by Gallery Baton on June 18. Born in Gongju, South Korea, in 1943, he completed both his BFA and MFA at Hongik University. Early in his career, he created sociopolitical prints, including "Consultation of General Rule about Unification of Korea" (1972/2001). After relocating to Paris in 1977, he shifted his focus to textiles, producing religious-themed works like "Self of Wrath" (1996) and "Unfinished Diadem" (2002–03), which were showcased at Neungpyeong Catholic Church in Gwangju. He served as a professor at Hongik University from 1980 to 2008 and established the Maga Art Museum in 1998. In 2000, he received the Korean Presidential Award and exhibited extensively.
Key facts
- Song Burnsoo died on June 15, 2026 at age 83
- Gallery Baton announced his passing on June 18
- Born in 1943 in Gongju, South Korea
- Attended Hongik University in Seoul (BFA, MFA)
- Moved to Paris in 1977, turned to textiles
- Created 'Unfinished Diadem' (2002–03) for Neungpyeong Catholic Church in Gwangju
- Professor at Hongik University from 1980 to 2008, later Professor Emeritus
- Founded Maga Art Museum in 1998
- Received Korean Presidential Award of the Order of National Service Merit in 2000
- Won First Golden Fleece Prize at 2001 'KÁRPIT' Exhibition in Budapest
Entities
Artists
- Song Burnsoo
Institutions
- Gallery Baton
- Hongik University
- Daejeon Museum of Art
- Maga Art Museum
- Seoul Museum of Art
- Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
- Museum of Fine Arts Budapest
- Neungpyeong Catholic Church
- ArtAsiaPacific
Locations
- Gongju
- South Korea
- Seoul
- Paris
- Gwangju
- Budapest
- Hungary