Galerie Vazieux is set to present a significant duo exhibition at Art Basel Hong Kong 2025 (March 26–30), commemorating the artistic legacy of Lee Ungno (1904–1989) and Park In Kyung (b. 1926). Marking the 120th anniversary of Lee’s birth and the upcoming centennial of Park in 2026, the showcase will celebrate their lifelong creative partnership that bridged Eastern traditions and Western avant-garde movements.

Lee and Park’s journey as artistic companions began in 1947, when Park first encountered Lee’s works at an exhibition. Their shared artistic vision deepened following their marriage in 1949 and subsequent relocation to France in 1958, a move driven by frustration with Korea’s art scene and a desire to engage with contemporary global trends. In Paris, Lee quickly became a prominent figure in Art Informel, securing an exclusive contract with Galerie Paul Facchetti, a key hub for the movement. Park, though facing societal constraints as a female artist, also gained recognition through exhibitions at Galerie Sainte Énimie.

A pivotal moment in their lives came in 1967, when they were implicated in the East Berlin Affair, falsely accused of espionage. While Park was released within months, Lee remained imprisoned until 1969. This period significantly altered the trajectory of their artistic careers—Lee’s reputation surged following his release, while Park took on the primary role of maintaining their household. Recalling this phase, Park described their dynamic as “Lee painted during the day, and I painted at night.”

Despite these challenges, the two artists maintained a profound exchange of ideas. Lee’s work, characterized by bold, calligraphic abstraction and collective human imagery, found an intriguing counterpoint in Park’s lyrical and introspective compositions. Their shared fascination with text-based expression is evident in Lee’s abstract letter compositions and Park’s poetic, text-infused canvases. Lee’s renowned People series, depicting masses of figures in motion to symbolize unity and peace, complements Park’s meditative explorations of nature and existence.

Following Lee’s passing in 1989, Park dedicated herself to preserving his legacy. She played a key role in sustaining the Académie de Peinture Orientale de Paris, which Lee had founded, and contributed to establishing the Lee Ungno Museum. Now approaching 99, she remains actively engaged in her artistic practice, continuing to shape contemporary dialogues on East Asian abstraction.

With this exhibition, Galerie Vazieux brings renewed attention to their intertwined yet distinct artistic identities, offering a rare opportunity to experience their synergetic yet individual approaches to modern art. As Art Basel Hong Kong 2025 prepares to welcome global audiences, Lee and Park’s artistic legacy is a testament to the enduring power of creative partnership across generations.

Sayart / Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com