Rapha + Yoon Hyup

NYC-based Yoon Hyup is our latest collaborator to create artwork for a number of essential Rapha designs. Yoon's minimalistic style using dots and dashes forms a unique perspective on cityscapes including his hometown, Seoul and current residence, New York City. This capsule is inspired by his cycling experiences in Seoul. We sat down with Yoon to find out a bit more about how art and cycling feed his creative energy.

Please tell us about yourself.

My name is Yoon Hyup. I am an artist, born in Seoul, Korea, and have lived in Brooklyn, New York since 2010.

What do you like to convey through your works?

Ever since I was very young, I’ve loved skateboarding and cycling, enjoying the feeling of moving forward freely. I find that expressing myself by drawing dots and lines on a canvas gives me a similar sense of freedom and forward motion.

How did the collaboration come about? 

I was acquainted with Adam Choi, the Country Manager of Rapha Korea. He was already familiar with my works and previous collaborations and at that time, I began cycling in New York and was naturally drawn towards Rapha’s kit. Through our collaboration, I had the chance to explore cycling trails in Seoul, including iconic courses of the northern and southern parts of the city. A truly beautiful and unforgettable ride there was taking in a breathtaking sunset view of the Han River after conquering a number of climbs in the city.

What sparked your interest in cycling?

I think the bike has always been with me since I was very young. It was like a friend of mine that I grew up with, sharing a lot of experiences, riding together around the neighbourhood, climbing the nearby mountains, rolling down stairs, practising tricks, and even experiencing having it stolen. After moving to New York City, I was looking for a place to stay. I bought a second-hand fixie to ride around so that if I saw a house I liked, I could visit it right away.

How does the view from the saddle influence your work?

I think working every day as an artist requires both mental and physical energy. I usually ride my bike every morning or on weekends, where I feel like I can let the wind clear my head and just focus on the important thoughts and organise them. I recently exhibited an art piece called "Night in New York". This painting depicts the night view of New York City that I saw while riding with my friend from Brooklyn to Bear Mountain, a round trip of about 200 km, and captures the various senses that I felt while riding all day: From the scenery, the vibration of the road, the wind, and to the inner emotions I felt on the saddle.

Can you recommend anywhere to ride in Seoul and NYC?

In New York I go to Prospect Park, but if I want to see the open sky and ocean, I often go to Fort Tilden. When I want to ride through lush forest trails, I love escaping the city on a train ride from Grand Central to Upstate New York. 

I haven't had the chance to explore Seoul too much, but the Namsan and Bugak courses are definitely the most iconic in the city. I also went to Cheongpyeong from the Rapha Seoul Clubhouse, and I was really impressed by the diverse landscapes. I started by the Han River, passed the Paldang Dam with orchards next to it, went through a tunnel, and at the end of the tunnel, I found myself surrounded by tall bushes, looking at mountains.

How would you describe your riding style?

I enjoy riding in a meditative way, pedalling quietly by myself and clearing my mind, without any pressure about distance, speed or numbers. But when I join group rides through Prospect Park or with the RCC App, I feel a different charm, enjoying the bond that comes from looking out for each other and pacing together.

What does cycling and this collection mean to you?

I think the bicycle is such a fascinating invention, it takes on many roles for different people: For some it's a mode of transportation or a way to make a living, for others it's a way to find freedom. This collaboration was an opportunity for me, as a fan of cycling, to introduce my hometown, Seoul, to cyclists around the world. I hope it inspires cyclists to visit Seoul and perhaps one day meet and ride with cyclists from different cities.