Kim Heungsou

aka Kimsou (Hangul: 김흥수; Hanja: 金興洙; November 17, 1919 – June 9, 2014) was a Korean painter who was sometimes called the "Picasso of Korea". Born in Hamheung in Korea under Japanese rule, he graduated from Tokyo Art school (東京美術學校). After the independence of the Korean Peninsula, he sat as deputy of Seoul Art high school and lecturer in Seoul National University. In 1955, he studied painting in Paris, and his works were submitted to Salon d'Automne. Thereafter, he initiated an individual art showcase and held exhibitions several times, starting from Paris, gained access to the European market. He held exhibitions around the world, including in France and Russia. His works have been featured at international auctions. After coming back to Seoul, Heungsou was appointed to the panel of judges for the 10th Korea grand art convention and presented his works in 1961. Six years later, he went as an exchange professor to Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts from 1968 to 1980, which allowed him to release his pieces of sculpture, holding series of traveling exhibitions from coast to coast. American-Korean foundation served his work from the beginning.