BURNT UMBER & ULTRAMARINE BLUE

Yun Hyong-Keun is one of the most important artists of Dansaekhwa. His work appears to be a part of nature, or even unified with nature, without any hint of artifice. His process of art displays a state of making and unmaking; the results bridge a character between made and unmade. Yun’s ultimate philosophy of nature and art is the most significant element that differentiates his art from Western abstract painting which emphasizes the artificial process by the artist rather than affirming a harmony with nature. Yun finds most insight in the moments of being his most ‘natural’ self, unlike Western artists who pursue inspiration from unusual moment and energy. Yun aims to exclude anything artificial or compulsory from his art, which can risk appearing to be apart from nature. Yun uses great reserve when making his art, and tries not to force his own intentions onto the works. Lee Ufan recognised this quality from Yun’s art, stating “Neither the brush nor the umber paint is a slave or tool used for expression.”