Kyungseo Lee’s (b. 1995) spontaneous and loose painterly style allows color and form to flow by themselves on her canvases. Lee’s works lean towards abstract with hazy configurations and only a few delicate marks hinting of a possible human figure. Even at times when the forms are more coherent and recognizable, human figures are left ambivalent, always seeming like they are searching for their final form. Gently moving back and forth the different sides of abstract and figurative expression, no true or false, or black or white exists.
Lee’s new exhibition, Demian, at Makasiini Contemporary marks the artist’s first solo exhibition in Europe. The title of the exhibition refers to the novel written by Hermann Hesse, which is about navigating oneself in the world that is believed to consist of two different kinds— the good and the evil. However, ultimately through the novel, the protagonist realizes it is their own perception, likewise their illusion of the world. Lee relates the idea in the book to the gray areas in our reality which has always been her interest, and mentions that certain social circumstances such as polarization in Korea especially in her generation, is one of the factors that influenced her paintings, as well as her genuine curiosity and admiration in how each one has their own universe of values. Lee’s works invite the viewer to contemplate one’s own values regarding, but not limited to, womanhood and female desire, as can be seen in certain paintings that involve female bodies.
Originally from Korea, Kyungseo Lee is currently based in London. She completed MA Painting at the Royal College of Art after graduating Hongik University with BA in Painting and Visual Communication Design. Lee was selected as an artist in residence at Cité Internationale des Arts in 2016. Her works have been shown widely both in London and Seoul and in the latter part of 2023 she attended a residency program in Lisbon, Portugal.
Lee’s new exhibition, Demian, at Makasiini Contemporary marks the artist’s first solo exhibition in Europe. The title of the exhibition refers to the novel written by Hermann Hesse, which is about navigating oneself in the world that is believed to consist of two different kinds— the good and the evil. However, ultimately through the novel, the protagonist realizes it is their own perception, likewise their illusion of the world. Lee relates the idea in the book to the gray areas in our reality which has always been her interest, and mentions that certain social circumstances such as polarization in Korea especially in her generation, is one of the factors that influenced her paintings, as well as her genuine curiosity and admiration in how each one has their own universe of values. Lee’s works invite the viewer to contemplate one’s own values regarding, but not limited to, womanhood and female desire, as can be seen in certain paintings that involve female bodies.
Originally from Korea, Kyungseo Lee is currently based in London. She completed MA Painting at the Royal College of Art after graduating Hongik University with BA in Painting and Visual Communication Design. Lee was selected as an artist in residence at Cité Internationale des Arts in 2016. Her works have been shown widely both in London and Seoul and in the latter part of 2023 she attended a residency program in Lisbon, Portugal.
