Suntai YOO
Yoo emphasizes an analog, labor-intensive life for artists, even in an era dominated by technology. His portrayal of a person on a bicycle aligns with his belief that artists navigate life's complexities much like balancing on a bicycle.
His art is not confined to a specific place but resonates as an idealized landscape within the artist's mind. The bicycle-riding figure, representing Yoo, strives to balance and move forward amidst various orders and rules, a metaphor for our personal journeys.
Yoo's paintings are windows into his inner world, inviting viewers to explore their own mental landscapes. His imagery evokes the peace he experienced in nature during his adolescence and aims to recreate these serene spaces in the hearts of the audience.
The paintings delve into the interplay between reality and imagination. Yoo states that if he cannot enter his painted world, he must pull the version of himself from within the artwork. His art reflects the continuous interplay between imagination and reality, pushing the boundaries of both.
His landscapes are not specific places but devices that allow each viewer to find their own mental landscapes. Objects like books, easels, apples, gramophones, and scales in his paintings are termed 'elements creating the painting.' Through them, Yoo articulates a space where reality and imagination coexist.
In the realm of art, where words often fall short, Suntai Yoo's paintings resonate with a language of their own, revealing layers of meaning and inviting viewers into a world where reality and imagination dance harmoniously on the canvas.
Exhibitions
2023 Art Central, Gallery Jeeum, Hong KongLiterature
Suntai YOO (유선태): A Journey Through Time and Imagination
Suntai YOO's art is a profound exploration of the human experience, a journey through time and imagination that transcends the boundaries of culture and place. Born in 1957, YOO's artistic vision has been shaped by a rich tapestry of influences, from his early days in Hongdae to an extended sojourn in the artistic haven of Paris.
Temporal Reflections:
At the heart of YOO's canvas lies a fascination with time — its fluidity, its ability to shape and reshape our perceptions. His works invite viewers into a dreamscape where past, present, and future coexist in a harmonious dance. This exploration of temporality is not merely conceptual but is intricately woven into the very fabric of his paintings.
Dépaysement Technique:
One of the defining characteristics of YOO's art is the dépaysement technique, a term borrowed from French literature, suggesting a feeling of being out of one's element or displaced. In YOO's hands, this technique becomes a visual language, a way of placing familiar objects in unfamiliar contexts. Trees, gramophones, potted plants, books, apples — each element is carefully chosen to disrupt our sense of the ordinary and invite us into a realm of contemplation.
Cultural Confluence:
YOO's artistic journey reflects a delicate balance between Eastern and Western sensibilities. Having spent considerable time in Paris, he absorbed the essence of Western art, yet his works are deeply rooted in the philosophical and aesthetic traditions of Korea. The result is a harmonious confluence, a dialogue between cultural nuances that enriches the tapestry of his creations.
Symbolic Narratives:
Central to YOO's visual storytelling is the recurring motif of a figure riding a bicycle. This symbolic representation of a person navigating the complexities of existence becomes a metaphor for the artist's own journey through life. Each object in his paintings carries symbolic weight, adding layers of meaning to the narrative and inviting viewers to delve into their own interpretations.
Analog Reverence in a Digital Age:
In an era dominated by technology, YOO remains steadfast in his commitment to analog expression. His labor-intensive process, the deliberate strokes of his brush, and the tangible texture of his canvases stand as a testament to the enduring power of traditional artistic endeavors. It's a reverence for the analog in a world increasingly enamored with the digital.
Legacy of Contemplation:
Suntai YOO's legacy is not merely a collection of paintings but a series of contemplative invitations. His art prompts viewers to look beyond the surface, to engage in a dialogue with time, memory, and the realms of the imagination. In every stroke and every carefully placed object, there's an invitation to explore the intricate corridors of the artist's mind and, in doing so, discover the universal themes that bind us all.