**A Korean Artist's Journey Through Eastern and Western Techniques**

Yi Eungro, also known as Lee Ungno, was a pivotal figure in the world of art, born in Séoul, South Korea in 1904 and passing away in Paris, France in 1989. His artistic journey is a testament to the blending of Eastern and Western techniques, resulting in a unique style that captivated audiences globally. **Early Training and Experimentation** - **Traditional Inkwash Painting (1920s-1930s):** Yi Eungro's early training in traditional inkwash painting in Korea laid the foundation for his future experiments with Western-style painting techniques in Japan. - **Merging Eastern Medium and Brushstrokes with Western Perspective:** His works from the 1950s are a prime example of this creative merging, showcasing an innovative approach to art. **Establishment as an Abstract Artist** - **Relocation to France (1958):** Yi Eungro's move to France marked a significant turning point in his career, where he fully established himself as an abstract artist. - **Notable Works:** His series of ink and paper collage, abstract letters, and crowd paintings, developed during his stay in France, are particularly noteworthy. **Contributions to the Art World** - **Founding Académie de Peinture Orientale de Paris:** Yi Eungro's establishment of this Eastern art school in the 1960s reflects his commitment to promoting Eastern artistic techniques. - **Publication of a Korean Art Textbook (1956):** This, along with his role as an art educator at Hongik University, demonstrates his dedication to art education. **Legacy and Preservation** - **Lee Ungno Museum (2007):** Opened in Daejeon, South Korea, this museum preserves, displays, and promotes artworks and materials related to Yi Eungro, ensuring his legacy endures. - **First Generation of Korean Abstract Artists:** Yi Eungro is credited with being part of this pioneering group, contributing to the diversification of Eastern material in modern and contemporary art. **Key Artworks and Museums** - Yi Eungro's "Crowd Paintings" can be found at https://WahooArt.com/@/Yi-Eungro - The Musée National Jean-jacques Henner in Paris, France, is another notable institution featuring Eastern and Western art pieces. **Conclusion** Yi Eungro's artistic journey, marked by his unique blend of Eastern and Western techniques, has left an indelible mark on the world of art. His legacy continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike, a testament to the power of innovation in art.

• For more on Yi Eungro's artworks, visit https://WahooArt.com/@@/D42LXR-Bang-Hye-Ja-26-Breath
• Explore the world of Korean art at https://WahooArt.com/@/Suh-Kyung-Hee-Yie-Kwang-Sub

**Note:** The information provided is based on the artist's biography available at https://WahooArt.com/@/Yi-Eungro and general knowledge up to the point of this article's creation.

**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)