Cho Yong-Ik, Dansaekhwa painter known for chromatic abstraction, dies at 89
Cho Yong-Ik, a prominent figure in the Dansaekhwa art movement, has died at 89. Unlike many of his contemporaries who favored a monochrome palette, Cho’s work was known for its striking colors. He created the 'Scratch' series in the 1970s, featuring bold, repetitive marks on bright red or turquoise backgrounds, which were likened to tally marks representing time. In the 1980s, he moved away from grids but kept monochrome backgrounds in his 'Wave' and 'Bamboo' series, using wide brushstrokes in subtle variations. Born in Bucheon, he studied at Seoul National University in the 1960s and showcased his art at Expo 67 and the 1967 São Paulo Bienal. His first solo show was in 1974, and he had three solo exhibitions in 2016.
Key facts
- Cho Yong-Ik died at age 89.
- He was associated with the Dansaekhwa school of Korean art.
- He broke from Dansaekhwa's monochrome tradition by using color.
- In the 1970s, he produced the 'Scratch' series with repetitive marks on bright backgrounds.
- From the 1980s, he created the 'Wave' and 'Bamboo' series with monochrome backgrounds and sweeping brushstrokes.
- Born in Bucheon, he studied at Seoul National University in the mid-1960s.
- He exhibited at Expo 67 in Montreal and the São Paulo Bienal in 1967.
- His first solo show was at Shinsegae Gallery, Seoul, in 1974.
- In 2016, he had solo shows at Olivier Malingue Gallery, London; Edouard Malingue Gallery, Hong Kong; and Sungkok Art Museum, Seoul.
Entities
Artists
- Cho Yong-Ik
Institutions
- Dansaekhwa
- Seoul National University
- Expo 67
- São Paulo Bienal
- Shinsegae Gallery
- 3rd Triennale-India
- Olivier Malingue Gallery
- Edouard Malingue Gallery
- Sungkok Art Museum
Locations
- Bucheon
- Seoul
- Montreal
- São Paulo
- New Delhi
- London
- Hong Kong