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🗾East Asian Art and Architecture

22.2 Introduction of Western art techniques and styles

3 min readLast Updated on August 5, 2024

Western art techniques and styles revolutionized Korean art during the colonial period. Oil painting, perspective, and new artistic movements like Realism and Impressionism challenged traditional practices, inspiring Korean artists to explore new forms of expression.

Art education reform played a crucial role in this transformation. Western-style art schools introduced formal training in new techniques, fostering a generation of artists who blended Korean aesthetics with Western influences, shaping the future of modern Korean art.

Western Painting Techniques

Oil Painting and Plein Air

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  • Oil painting introduced new techniques and materials to Korean artists
    • Oil paints are slow-drying and allow for greater flexibility in blending and layering colors
    • Canvas replaced traditional silk or paper as the primary painting surface
  • Plein air painting, or painting outdoors, gained popularity among Korean artists
    • Allowed artists to capture natural light and atmospheric effects more accurately
    • Encouraged a shift towards landscape painting and a focus on the natural world

Perspective and Chiaroscuro

  • Linear perspective techniques were adopted to create the illusion of depth on a flat surface
    • Involves the use of vanishing points and converging lines to create a sense of space and distance
    • Enabled artists to depict more realistic and three-dimensional scenes (architectural interiors, landscapes)
  • Chiaroscuro, the use of strong contrasts between light and dark, was employed to create dramatic effects
    • Highlights the interplay of light and shadow to enhance the sense of volume and depth
    • Adds a sense of drama and emotional intensity to paintings (portraits, still lifes)

Western Art Styles

Realism

  • Realism focused on depicting subjects as they appeared in everyday life, without idealization or romanticization
    • Artists aimed to capture the truth and accuracy of their subjects, often portraying ordinary people and scenes
    • Realism challenged traditional Korean art, which often focused on idealized or symbolic representations
  • Realist paintings often had a social or political message, highlighting the lives of the working class or marginalized groups
    • Sought to raise awareness of social issues and promote change through art (poverty, inequality)

Impressionism

  • Impressionism emphasized capturing the fleeting effects of light, color, and atmosphere
    • Artists used visible brushstrokes and pure, unmixed colors to create a sense of immediacy and spontaneity
    • Focused on capturing the changing qualities of light throughout the day (sunrise, sunset)
  • Impressionist paintings often depicted everyday scenes and landscapes, with a focus on the natural world
    • Celebrated the beauty of the ordinary and the ephemeral nature of light and color
    • Influenced by the introduction of portable paint tubes and the practice of plein air painting

Art Education Reform

Western-Style Art Schools

  • Western-style art schools were established to teach new techniques and styles to Korean artists
    • Schools offered courses in oil painting, perspective, anatomy, and other Western art fundamentals
    • Provided a structured curriculum and formal training in contrast to the traditional apprenticeship system
  • Art schools played a crucial role in disseminating Western art ideas and practices throughout Korea
    • Graduates went on to become influential artists, educators, and advocates for modernization in the arts
    • Schools helped to create a new generation of Korean artists who blended Western techniques with traditional Korean aesthetics

Impact on Korean Art Education

  • The introduction of Western art education challenged traditional Korean art education, which focused on ink painting and calligraphy
    • Western techniques and styles were seen as a way to modernize and revitalize Korean art
    • Some artists and educators resisted the adoption of Western practices, seeing them as a threat to Korean cultural identity
  • The reform of art education had far-reaching effects on the development of modern Korean art
    • Artists began to experiment with new mediums, styles, and subjects, leading to a period of artistic innovation and diversity
    • The blending of Western and Korean artistic traditions gave rise to unique hybrid styles that reflected the complex cultural exchanges of the colonial period


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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.