Korean artist Choi Byung-so, known for black newspaper works, dies at 82
Choi Byung-so, an esteemed Korean artist celebrated for his tactile black artworks on newspaper, passed away on September 11, 2025, at the age of 82. He was born in Daegu in 1943 and pursued Western painting at Chung-Ang University, where he graduated in 1974 before obtaining a master's degree from Keimyung University in 1985. His artistic technique involved erasing and redrawing newspaper surfaces, creating pieces that delved into themes of time and transience. Choi's art expressed "an attitude of returning to a pre-civilization era." As a founding member of Korea's inaugural contemporary art festival in Daegu in 1974, he left a lasting impact on future artists. He is survived by his wife, Ryu Hyang-ha, along with his son and two daughters.
Key facts
- Choi Byung-so died on September 11, 2025, at age 82
- He was known for black, tactile works on newspaper using ballpoint pens and pencils
- Born in Daegu in 1943
- Graduated from Chung-Ang University in 1974 with a degree in Western painting
- Earned a master's degree from Keimyung University in 1985
- His works reflect "an attitude of returning to a pre-civilization era by eliminating text and images"
- He was a founding member of Korea's first contemporary art festival in Daegu in 1974
- His early works included installations with iron cores and rotting fish, and photograph-text hybrids
Entities
Artists
- Choi Byung-so
- Ryu Hyang-ha
Institutions
- Chung-Ang University
- Keimyung University
Locations
- Daegu
- South Korea