Acclaimed Photographer Challenges Perceptions of Time and Space Through Artistic Lens

Space22 is set to host a captivating solo exhibition titled "Connection: Transcending Space-Time Relationships" by the esteemed artist Soon Lee. The exhibition, running from October 6th to October 25th, promises to delve into profound questions about cosmic relationships, boundaries, and origins through Lee's unique artistic perspective.
 

▲ 009_Transcending space_time # 017-Digital Archival Pigment Print on Canvas_2023_120x90cm, Courtesy of Space22With a distinguished career spanning eight solo exhibitions and numerous group showcases, Lee has firmly established herself in the world of contemporary art. In addition to her artistic endeavors, Lee currently serves as the president of both the Korea Photo Gallery Association and the Korea Print and Photography Association (SIPA), showcasing her commitment to advancing the field.

▲ 003_Transcending space_time # 001_Digital Archival Pigment Print on Canvas__2023_163x120cm, Courtesy of Space22Lee's latest exhibition builds upon her previous work, aptly named "Frame City." Exploring the mysterious allure of rocks and their profound energy, Lee embarked on a decade-long journey capturing their essence through her lens. 

"The mysterious energy I felt from that rock that day stopped all my nerves," Lee recounts. "For the next 10 years, I went photographing rocks, and they gave me tremendous energy. As I looked at the rocks that towered like man-made buildings, I could feel the flow of an enormous, indescribable energy created by great nature."
 

▲ Connection # 006-Digital Archival Pigment Print on Canvas_2023_-163x120, Courtesy of Space22Park Young-taek, a professor at Kyonggi University and an esteemed art critic, provides insight into Lee's distinctive style. He notes that many of Lee's photographs feature monumental rocks and stones, meticulously arranged to frame the sky, clouds, and sea in the background. These compositions showcase the various shapes and textures of each stone, creating a symmetrical balance that conveys the vastness of a world without boundaries.

Interestingly, Lee's photographic artistry challenges the conventional boundaries between fiction and reality. Her work involves combining partial photos taken from different locations, resulting in landscapes that are, in essence, created by the artist herself. This fusion of elements blurs the lines of human perspective and the concept of time, rendering them powerless in the face of Lee's artistic vision.

▲ 001_Transcending space_time # 014-Digital Archival Pigment Print on Canvas_2023_150x150cm, Courtesy of Space22Professor Park Young-taek further elaborates on this aspect, suggesting that Lee's intention may be to invite the audience to break free from preconceived notions of landscapes. Instead, she encourages viewers to contemplate the concept of cosmic space and time through the unique space she crafts within her art.

Lee's educational and professional journey adds depth to her artistic prowess. She holds a Master's degree in Photography from the Graduate School of Hong-Ik University, where she honed her craft. Over the years, she has shared her expertise as a professor at several prestigious institutions, including Kyungmin University, Sungkyunkwan University, and Hong Ik University Graduate School, among others. Additionally, she managed Leejin Photo Studio, demonstrating her dedication to the world of photography.

▲ 003_Transcending space_time # 001_Digital Archival Pigment Print on Canvas__2023_163x120cm, Courtesy of Space22

As the artist opens her latest exhibition at Space22, attendees can expect a thought-provoking exploration of cosmic relationships, challenging perceptions of time, space, and the intricate tapestry that binds the universe together. Soon Lee's unique blend of artistry and philosophy promises an engaging and immersive experience for all who attend.

Sayart.net
Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com