Scientific Analysis of Contemporary Artworks Made from Food Ingredients: Forcusing on Lee Ungno’s Composition(1967)

In this study, we used scientific analysis to estimate the materials used in Lee Ungno’s “Composition (1967)”, which is composed of ingredients such as gochujang and rice grains available in the prison, with the aim of establishing durable conservation materials for the artwork. The support material of the artwork was identified as hard pine, and the red-colored layers were identified as epoxy resin and gochujang. The adhesive applied to affix the wooden pieces to the support was determined to consist of rice grains, the translucent layer at the bottom of the artwork consisted of egg whites, and the yellow-colored layer contained eggshells. During the scientific analysis of the artwork, a combination of various other ingredients was identified as a result of the decomposition of ingredients, damage by microorganisms, and contamination. By utilizing control materials for comparison based on interviews and records of the artist, it was possible to estimate the specific type of food ingredients used. This approach provides fundamental information for the conservation of contemporary food-based artworks, and we anticipate that our findings will contribute to future conservation strategies for similar artworks.