Dr. Hwang Su-young: Destined to Enter Art History

The decades from the 1930s to the 1950s were a period of turbulence, marked by Japanese colonial rule, the recovery of independence, the Korean War, and crises in identity and livelihood. Active and excellent in every sub-field of art history, Hwang Su-young was a pioneer who made incredible academic achievements. He was on an elite path of the highest order including graduation from Matsuyama High School and entrance into Department of Economy, Tokyo Imperial University.Even in his youth Hwang has been deeply involved with art history: he used to make a field trip, together with Ko Yuseop (1905~1944), for an on-site survey of Gaegyeong and its surrounding areas whenever back from Japan every school break. In a memorial writing to Ko who died untimely, Hwang states that “it was the greatest happiness, pleasure, and supreme pride to have Ko as a teacher. His teachings will guide me throughout life.” He goes on to say that “this day is crucial for me to set on a new lifelong path,” suggesting his fateful encounter with art history.For Hwang who believed a correct interpretation should stand the test of time and endurance, art history was not a means of life but, perhaps, an ultimate goal of life and his lifetime companion.Hwang has cultivated himself with talents, perseverance, enthusiasm, insights, sociability, and exactitude on the basis of inborn traits for the humanities. Hwang has shown, in a sense, signs of unrivalled genius.This essay focuses on his initiation into art history, based on reliable evidence of availability.