Exhibit: “Survival is History, Art is the Question” Yook Keun-Byung

One of South Korea’s leading contemporary artists, Yook’s work has influenced the international art world for more than four decades. His innovative artistic practice spans video installation, sculpture, drawing, painting, and multimedia art, exploring the relationships between memory, perception, history, nature, and human existence.

Presenting work from Yook’s “DOUBLE” Series — Famous and infamous figures throughout history become the subjects of this work, carrying with them the memories and traces of human existence. Each piece is produced using 3 prints on substrates of varying transparency. The faces of historical figures gradually fade into white afterimages, leaving only a single black dot on their foreheads — a spiritual eye (心眼) — directed toward the profound interior of human existence. These figures are not mere portraits but unmistakable history, enduring memories, and traces that transcend time.

“Art does not record history; it questions the history that has not yet arrived.” — Yook Keun-Byung

Opening Reception:

Thursday, Sept 24 | 5:30-7:30 • Gallery Talk @ 6:00

UWSP Noel Fine Arts Center

Exhibition: Sept 24 – Oct 30

Carlsten Art Gallery

Tue-Fri 12:00-6:00 | Sat 10:00-2:00