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Atelier · Est. 2015 · Paris, France
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The travels of Marco Polo Series

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

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The travels of Marco Polo Series

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Quick Facts

  • Movement: Korean Landscape Painting
  • Medium: Ink Wash Painting
  • Artist: Yi Ungro
  • Influences: Korean Ink Painting Tradition
  • Notable elements or techniques: Bird’s-eye view; Triangular forms; Architectural red figures
  • Artistic style: East Asian Style
  • Title: The Travels of Marco Polo Series

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
What is the primary theme explored in Yi Ungno’s ‘The Travels of Marco Polo Series’?
Question 2:
Why was the original book featuring Ungno’s artworks unable to be published?
Question 3:
What stylistic element is evident in the painting that reflects East Asian art traditions?
Question 4:
The triangular forms in the painting symbolize what?
Question 5:
What does the depiction of architectural red figures contribute to the artwork’s interpretation?

Artwork Description

A Panoramic Vision of Exploration: Yi Ungro’s “The Travels of Marco Polo Series”

Yi Ungro's "The Travels of Marco Polo Series" stands as a remarkable testament to Korean art history and the enduring fascination with Eastern aesthetics blended with Western curiosity. Created in 1980, this monumental landscape painting—one of seventy-nine artworks commissioned for a book exploring Marco Polo’s legendary expeditions—represents more than just a depiction of scenery; it embodies a profound philosophical dialogue between East and West. The artwork's genesis lies in Ungro’s desire to elevate Korean ink painting beyond traditional conventions, embracing innovative perspectives inspired by the pioneering spirit of European travelers like Marco Polo himself.

Style and Technique: Echoes of Zen Landscape Painting

Ungro skillfully employs techniques rooted in Zen landscape painting—specifically, *gaoya* (高野風)—a style characterized by expansive vistas dominated by triangular forms resembling mountains or islands. These forms recede into the distance, creating a palpable sense of depth and conveying an atmosphere of serene contemplation. The artist’s meticulous brushwork captures subtle tonal variations, mirroring the nuanced observations of Eastern artists who sought to represent nature's grandeur with understated elegance. Notably, Ungro utilizes a bird’s-eye view—a hallmark of East Asian painting—further emphasizing the panoramic scope of his vision and inviting viewers to contemplate the immensity of the natural world.

Historical Context: Bridging Cultures Through Artistic Representation

The Series emerged during a period of significant cultural exchange between Korea and France, reflecting Ungro’s commitment to modernizing Korean art while acknowledging influences from Western artistic traditions. The inclusion of miniature architectural figures—stylized representations reminiscent of unfamiliar East Asian structures—adds another layer of complexity to the composition. These figures serve as visual cues, prompting viewers to consider how a European traveler might perceive the beauty and mystery of Eastern landscapes. This deliberate juxtaposition underscores Ungro’s ambition to capture not merely what he saw but also *how* he saw it – filtered through the lens of cultural difference.

Symbolism: Harmony and Distance

The triangular forms themselves are laden with symbolic significance, representing stability and permanence amidst the dynamic forces of nature. Simultaneously, their receding perspective symbolizes the concept of “distance,” both physical and intellectual—a reminder that true understanding requires acknowledging perspectives beyond one’s immediate experience. The tranquil depiction of cattle grazing peacefully at the base of the mountain reinforces themes of harmony and balance – values central to Zen philosophy and reflected throughout Ungro's oeuvre.

Emotional Impact: A Momentary Escape into Sublime Beauty

Ultimately, “The Travels of Marco Polo Series” succeeds in transporting viewers to a realm of contemplative wonder. The painting’s luminous hues—particularly the dominant reds—evoke the grandeur of a sunset or volcanic eruption, capturing both dramatic intensity and breathtaking beauty. Ungro's masterful execution captures not just visual information but also an emotional resonance that speaks to our innate desire for connection with nature and contemplation on the vastness of existence. It’s a piece designed to inspire awe and invite reflection—a timeless reminder of the transformative power of art.

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 AllPaintingsStore: [https://AllPaintingsStore.com/@/yi-eungro](https://AllPaintingsStore.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://AllPaintingsStore.com/@@/a@d3cew9-il-museo-musee-national-jean-jacques-henner-di-parigi-francia](https://AllPaintingsStore.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://AllPaintingsStore.com/art.nsf/o/a@d3cq2m](https://AllPaintingsStore.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://AllPaintingsStore.com/@/yi-eungro](https://AllPaintingsStore.com/@/yi-eungro) * [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/yi_eungro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/yi_eungro)
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
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