Post-Monochrome Master Painter Kim Tae-ho Passes Away at 74 Years Old

Kim Tae-ho, Master Painter. Photo by Kim Tae-ho Sculpture Research Institute

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] Kim Taeho, an abstract painter and a leading figure of post-monochrome painting (late monochrome painting), passed away on the 4th at the age of 74.

According to the art community, former Professor Kim visited Busan early last month and suffered a stroke, leading to a period of illness. He passed away due to sepsis while receiving hospital treatment. After his death on the morning of the 4th, a funeral hall was set up on the 5th at Yonsei University Shinchon Funeral Hall in Seoul.

Former Professor Kim gained recognition as a post-monochrome painter alongside artists Park Seo-bo, Jung Sang-hwa, Ha Chong-hyun, as well as Lee Bae and Lee Kang-so. From 1995, he earned fame as the so-called 'Beehive Artist' through his series "Internal Rhythm (內在律, Internal Rhythm)," which involved carving thick layers of paint stacked horizontally and vertically.

The solo exhibition held on the 15th of last month became his final exhibition. The solo exhibition "Traces of Order" at Pyo Gallery attracted attention by showcasing the late artist’s recent work "Internal Rhythm 2022-57" alongside NFT digital artworks. The exhibition, originally scheduled to run until the 14th, was extended until the 27th.

In addition to his artistic work, the late artist was dedicated to nurturing future generations. Born in Busan, former Professor Kim graduated from the Department of Western Painting at Hongik University in 1972 and completed a master's degree in art education at the Graduate School of Education of the same university in 1984. He taught students at his alma mater from 1987 to 2016 and served as dean of the Graduate School of Art at the university from 2007 to 2008.

The funeral hall is located at Yonsei University Shinchon Funeral Hall (Severance Hospital Funeral Hall) VIP Room 1 in Seoul, with the funeral procession scheduled for 6 a.m. on the 7th. The burial site is Seoul Municipal Crematorium (Byeokje).