A renowned musician, Naul majored in art for his undergraduate and graduate studies. He is also a visual artist under his full name, Yoo Naul. The two main themes running through Yoo’s art are black music, the source of his artistic inspiration, and faith, the foundation of his life. Investigation of the soulful black music (such as jazz, blues, R&B, hip hop) that greatly affected the artist’s teenage years developed into interest on the race itself. He collected through various routes diverse materials, albums of legendary black musicians, and vintage furniture. The materials became crucial ingredients for his work.

Abandoned and torn objects such as wrapping material, album covers, scribbles, and photographs, are meticulously selected by the artist and sensually placed along with his drawings. Yoo Naul produces his works in two ways – cuts and pastes various materials into a collage, or edits scanned images on the computer and prints them out. The objects in each work exist as displaced beings away from the ownership of their original owners, each embracing their own story. Through the process of embracing and polishing the raw materials that have been discarded as useless, he transforms the objects into enchanting artworks. Just as the man himself is both a competent musician and talented artist, his art presents both a sophisticated sense of form and formal completion.

At the foundation of the seemingly sleek images lies the message of “faith”. Yoo claims that “the essence of art lies not within humans, but with God, the creator of all”. Through various media, he has referred to his strong faith in “god” as the foundation of his life and being, and also numerously mentioned the Words of “God” who worketh with us today. The various forms of text that occupy a significant presence in his works are all references to the Bible. The artist employs such texts not only as painterly and decorative aides, but also to penetrate into the hearts of the audience and affect their lives. As is conveyed through the exhibition title, Yoo wishes his life to be used accordingly to the intent of the Creator, and wishes to produce beautiful and harmonious art that God would deem pleasing. His art is not the product of personal entertainment seeking to present his own interests and desire, but a complete tool through which to make use of the talent bequeathed by God and reveal His will. His art is rich with the harmony between content and form, the energy of sincerity, peace, and love.

In the exhibition, inside the exhibition space that has renovated a private home, Yoo carefully placed various installation pieces along with drawings, silkscreens, and collage works. Though this exhibition, the audience will be able to witness Yoo’s artistic talent and detect the message he seeks to deliver.

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