Cho Yong-Ik

Cho Yong-Ik is a prominent Korean contemporary artist who was born in 1934 in Korea. He is known for his unique style that blends elements of traditional Korean art with Western modernism. Cho studied painting at Hongik University in Seoul and later earned a scholarship to study at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he was exposed to various European art movements.

Cho's early works were heavily influenced by the Abstract Expressionism movement, which he encountered during his time in Paris. However, he began to develop his own style in the 1960s, incorporating elements of traditional Korean art, such as calligraphy and hanji paper, into his paintings. He also began to experiment with the use of color, creating vivid and colorful compositions. In the 1970s, Cho became a leading figure in the Korean Avant-garde movement, which aimed to break away from traditional Korean art and embrace new forms of expression. 

Today, Cho is recognized as one of Korea's most influential contemporary artists. His works have been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, and he has received numerous awards for his contributions to the arts.