What is the thematic context of Composition?

seal engraving technique, east asian calligraphy influence, abstract letter series, western print context, modernized ink painting

Buy a print of Composition

Collectible Description

This work, which is linked to Abstract Letter series in content, presents a dramatic contrast between the white background and the red form. Ungno’s print works, except those that make direct reference to People series or specific figures, are often related to his Abstract Letter series and such works show a great similarity to traditional seal engraving. Seal engraving is a unique carving technique used in areas under the influence of the Chinese language and alphabet, which engraves a letter in a typographic unit. The technique is often regarded as an independent art form due to the artistic quality in carving letterforms. Lee Ungno, who was familiar with traditional East Asian poetry, calligraphy, painting and engraving, made a great number of print works that remind of seal engraving. The cinnabar red in this work emphasizes such an impression, while the English and Chinese inscriptions in black under his signature on the lower right put this work in the context of European print. As written so by the artist, the image of this print was used for his solo exhibition poster at the Galerie Koryo in Paris in 1977.

Related Artworks

Artist Biography

early life and training

lee ungno, also known as yi eungro, was a korean-born french painter and printmaker born in séoul, south korea in 1904. his early life was marked by a brief stint at the hongseong botong hakyo (홍성보통학교, 홍城초등학교, 洪城普通學校), after which he dedicated himself to studying painting under yeomjae song tae-hoe from 1920.

artistic career in korea and japan

lee ungno's artistic career began in earnest when he moved to seoul in 1922, becoming an apprentice to celebrated calligrapher-painter-photographer haegang kim gyu-jin. he primarily learned to paint the four gentlemen in the 'haegang style.' notably, his inkwash painting of a bamboo, mukjuk (묵죽, 墨竹, ink bamboo), won a prize in the 3rd annual joseon art exhibition. lee ungno consecutively won prizes in the joseon art exhibition throughout the colonial period. however, he believed that eastern ink painters should modernize their style. in the early 1930s, lee began producing inkwash landscapes influenced by new, modern eastern ink painting styles and naturalistic renditions found in western-style paintings.

international recognition and later life

after training in traditional inkwash painting in korea from the 1920s to the 1930s, lee gradually experimented with western-style painting techniques in japan. his works from the 1950s showcase creative attempts at merging eastern medium and brushstrokes with western perspective and forms. lee ungno relocated to france in 1958, where he fully established his standing as an abstract artist. he is most known for his series of ink and paper collage, abstract letters, and crowd paintings that developed during his stay in france.

view yi eungro's artworks on WahooArt: [https://WahooArt.com/@/yi-eungro](https://WahooArt.com/@/yi-eungro)
explore the musée national jean-jacques henner, a museum featuring a vast collection of art pieces, including those inspired by eastern styles: [https://WahooArt.com/@@/a@d3cew9-il-museo-musee-national-jean-jacques-henner-di-parigi-francia](https://WahooArt.com/@@/a@d3cew9-il-museo-musee-national-jean-jacques-henner-di-parigi-francia)
discover more about the ilkhanid art movement, which also blends eastern and western influences: [https://WahooArt.com/art.nsf/o/a@d3cq2m](https://WahooArt.com/art.nsf/o/a@d3cq2m)

**legacy** lee ungno is credited for forming part of the first generation of korean abstract artists and contributing to the diversification in the use of eastern material in modern and contemporary art. the lee ungno museum, opened in 2007 in daejeon, south korea, preserves, displays, and promotes artworks and materials related to the artist. **sources:** * [https://WahooArt.com/@/yi-eungro](https://WahooArt.com/@/yi-eungro) * [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/yi_eungro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/yi_eungro)

yi eungro

1904 - 1989 , South Korea

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Eastern & Western Expressionism
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Haegang Style']
Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['Yeomjae Song Tae-hoe']
Date Of Birth: January 12, 1904
Date Of Death: January 10, 1989
Full Name: Yi Eungro (Lee Ungno)
Nationality: Korean-French
Notable Artworks: ['Composition']
Place Of Birth: Seoul, South Korea

Kandinsky's Masterpieces: 25 Paintings That Define Abstract Art | WahooArt

Journey through Wassily Kandinsky's 25 most iconic abstract paintings. Explore his revolutionary use of color, form & spiritual expressionism. Find museum-quality Kandinsky reproductions and elevate your home decor with WahooArt.com. Discover all masterpieces on WahooArt.com!

Explore Article read article

Fernand Léger's Masterpieces: 25 Iconic Paintings & The Machine Age Aesthetic | WahooArt

yi eungro: The Full Collection

Explore artworks organized by themes, styles, and characteristics.

Collectible Description

Artist Biography

Reproduction Medium

Reproduction Frame

White $1

Blurside $1

Extended $1

P118B $10

P118H $10

P118W $10

P438Z $10

P508JH $12

P508YH $12

P805H $10

P805Z $10

P919BZ $10

P919G $10

P919XJ $10

P959ZH $10

P968JZ $12

W106C $8

W218G $10

W218JH $8

W218Y $10

W307PJ $10

W316G $10

W316PJ $8

W316Y $10

W398PJ $8

W4111J $10

W500HY $15

W500JH $15

W692G $12

W849H $8

W940BG $15

W953PJ $8

H24-GOLD $40

H24-SILVER $40

H36-GOLD $60

H36-SILVER $60

Framed

Reproduction Size

Protective Varnish

Nameplate

Engraved Bronze Plaque Details

Transparent Acrylic Plaque Details

Black Acrylic Plaque Details

Urgent Production

Included Benefits

Free Worldwide Express Shipping

High-Quality Linen Canvas

Full Shipping Insurance

Customs Tax Refund Guarantee

True Color Matching Guarantee

60-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)

100% Money-Back Guarantee

Bulk Discount Offer

Total Price

-

Summary

Giclée / Art Print

-

Reproduction Frame

-

Nameplate

-

Protective Varnish

-

Urgent

-

Express Shipping

Included

Total Price

-

Collectible Description

Related Artworks

Artist Biography

**early life and training**

**artistic career in korea and japan**

**international recognition and later life**

early life and training

artistic career in korea and japan

international recognition and later life