CompositionYi Eungro · 1968

  • Art movementKorean Expressionism
  • Creation date1968
  • Dimensions130.0 x 33.0 cm
  • MuseumLee Ungno Museum

Yi Eungro (1904 – 1989)

Explore Yi Eungro's (Lee Ungno) innovative art: Korean-French painter blending Eastern & Western styles, known for abstract ink collages & crowd paintings.

Lee Ungno Museum (Daegu, South Korea)

Explore the life & art of Korean master Lee Ungno at this Daegu museum! Discover 500+ works, including his Abstract Letter series & prison paintings. Experience exhibitions, cultural insights, and a unique blend of Eastern & Western influences.

In 1967, Lee Ungno was imprisoned for 2 years and 6 months for his involvement in the East Berlin Affair. He suffered most from an inability to continue his practice there; however, as he adjusted to the prison environment, he started painting on tissue using soy sauce as ink and making models with rice paste, which he collected from his meal. This painting shows one example of the Abstract Letter paintings that he made in prison using ink on hanji and then painting over the canvas with soy sauce as if testifying to his imprisonment. Unlike ink, soy sauce is not a proper pigment and thus, its colour is brownish rather than black when it is put on paper; as it is not rich enough to make a long spread, the canvas shows several marks where he had to resume the application of the soy sauce at each moment.

About this artwork

  • Title: Composition
  • Artist: Yi Eungro
  • Year: 1968
  • Original dimensions: 130.0 x 33.0 cm
  • Format: Tall
  • Copyright status: Under copyright
  • Where to see it: Lee Ungno Museum
  • Movement: Korean Expressionism
  • Creative period: Prison Years
  • Main color: Putty

Questions & Answers

Which artist and which style stand behind "Composition"?

"Composition" was created by Yi Eungro in the Korean Expressionism style. Artist and movement identify the work's tradition.

What color harmony does "Composition" by Yi Eungro display?

The colors of "Composition" by Yi Eungro show a strong color unity harmony. Harmony describes how the colors relate to each other.

What is the creation date of "Composition" by Yi Eungro?

"Composition" dates from 1968. The date places the work within Yi Eungro's career and its era.

Who is the artist behind "Composition"?

The artist behind "Composition" is Yi Eungro. The work is catalogued under Yi Eungro's name.

How old was Yi Eungro when creating "Composition" in 1968?

Yi Eungro made "Composition" at the age of 64. The artist was born in 1904 and the work is dated 1968.

What kind of colors does "Composition" use?

The colors of "Composition" form an earthy palette. This classification describes the dominant color families.

What art movement does "Composition" by Yi Eungro belong to?

"Composition" is a work of Korean Expressionism. The movement indicates the artistic tradition the work is part of.

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