HAEVAN LEE
b. 1990, South KoreaHaevan Lee is a contemporary artist who explores the geopolitical landscape of borders and buffer zones across the globe, in the form of a painterly study of such sites. She utilizes landscape painting, storytelling, and historical research to delve into the complexities of border politics and ecology. Through various forms of expression such as painting, installation, and video, she captures the regional context of specific sites. She is interested in exploring the geopolitical landscapes of borders, ideologically confined physical environments, and the sublime beauty of nature transcending disasters. Her research serves as the foundation for her artistic imagination and painterly investigations.
DMZ Landscape Series turns restricted or photography-prohibited areas into paintings. The artist has created painting-sculptures by superimposing the layers of landscapes that she experienced while staying at Peace Culture Bunker, an anti-tank defense shelter built after armed North Korean guerillas invaded Seoul, South Korea in January 1968, and presented the works in the exhibition Goliaths, Tanks (Seoul, 2018). Furthermore, she collaborates with multinational artists, researchers, and experts from diverse fields to examine the sustainability of collectives across borders.
Haevan Lee is based in The Hague (NL) and Seoul (KR). She holds a MA in Artistic Research from the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague, The Netherlands, as well as a BFA in Oriental Painting from Sungkyunkwan University in Korea. Currently, she currently contributes to various exhibitions worldwide including the Pyeongchang Biennale (2017)and the Bangkok Art Biennale (2020).
Text courtesy the artist
Explore and Follow Artists Shaping Contemporary Art
A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.
Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.
Learn more about Ocula Magazine
Showcasing the best of the art world.
Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.
Learn more about Ocula Membership
Specialises in the sale of major artworks.
Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.
Learn more about our team and services