Yongchul Kim (born 1982 in Yeosu, South Korea) studied, after completing his painting studies in South Korea, at the Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design (ABK Stuttgart) under Cordula Güdemann, where he graduated with a diploma in 2020. He lives and works in Stuttgart, Germany.

Yongchul Kim's works show motifs that emerge from vigorous brushstrokes only to dissolve again immediately. Everything is in flux, in constant change, there is no standstill.

"I'm interested in showing that everything is in flux. There is no here and now, we're in a state of perpetual change. A wave is coming, it takes us with it." (Yongchul Kim)

In his paintings, Yongchul Kim depicts scenes in which people, animals, plants, flowers and landscapes can be seen. The figurative elements used evoke certain associations and symbolize themes, that are important for him. Animals such as horses, dogs and rabbits appear again and again.

"Dogs and horses are always the faithful companions of humans on their journey into the unknown. You become caught with them by the river of destiny." (Yongchul Kim)

For Yongchul Kim, flowers are not only a symbol of transience but also of the beauty that lies in this transience. His paintings of flowers show the beauty of the moment.

Of all his motifs, people are the main subject. He basically doesn't paint friends or acquaintances, there are no models. The motifs are created in his head. Sometimes Yongchul Kim plans a figure, an expression or even a scene, but when the characters appear on the canvas, they develop a life of their own.