HYUN-JOUNG LEE
b. 1972, South KoreaBorn in 1972 in South Korea, Lee Hyun Joung has risen as a visionary force, her artistic expression deeply intertwined with the nostalgic echoes of her homeland. She harnesses the traditional Hanji paper, an emblem of her cultural lineage, crafted from the resilient fibres of mulberry trees. This medium, steeped in centuries of Korean history, serves as a canvas for her to mirror the resilience and adaptability intrinsic to her cultural heritage. Her meticulous process of papermaking is an act of meditative devotion — a practice of mixing, kneading, tearing, and soaking, each step a silent meditation, a reflection of her innermost awakenings. In these ‘silent’ compositions, her refined techniques breathe life into each arrangement, with delicate patterns interwoven into the fabric of the Hanji, culminating in creations that possess an ethereal, picturesque beauty.
In the nuanced hands of Lee Hyun Joung, the canvas becomes a portal to the inner vista, unfolding images that transcend mere visual representations. Her work treats these formations as metaphors for a journey through ever-evolving landscapes, encapsulating the cyclical passage of life. This engagement does more than just capture the gaze; it ignites the imagination, evoking memories of past joys or poignant moments. In this interplay between art and observer, Lee infuses her work with a profound, living meaning.
In 2017, Lee has won the Taylor Prize at Art Capital - Grand palais Paris. She had group exhibitions including Salon d’Automne Paris, Art Capital, Beyond Borders Art Exhibition Hong Kong and International Paper Art Biennale in Shanghai, China. She also had solo exhibitions globally including Galerie Plexus Swiss, Foundation Taylor Paris and Gallerie Sept Brussels.
Text courtesy The Columns Gallery.
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