▲ The installation view of the exhibition ⓒ Lee Lee Nam, Indang Museum

Indang Museum's exhibition hall is currently hosting the exhibition "Stand at the Center of Existence Beyond Visible Forms," running from June 7 to August 12, 2024.

Lee Lee Nam, a prominent figure in digital art, combines traditional painting techniques with digital media, building upon and surpassing Nam June Paik's media art. His innovative approach has garnered him significant acclaim in the global art scene. 

The artist seeks to rediscover and rejuvenate Korean tradition, viewing it not just as a historical continuum but as a journey towards the future rooted in the past. His works often feature cultural artifacts from the Joseon Dynasty.
 

▲ The installation view of the exhibition ⓒ Lee Lee Nam, Indang MuseumLee, born in 1969 in Damyang, Jeollanam-do, South Korea, was deeply influenced by the natural and historical beauty of his hometown. This environment played a crucial role in shaping his understanding of Korean tradition.

The rich cultural heritage of Jeollanam-do, where nearly every household has an appreciation for art, influenced Lee's decision to study sculpture at Chosun University in Gwangju.

Though initially trained in fine arts, Lee developed an interest in media art later in his career. He began blending animation techniques with traditional art forms, creating a unique fusion of the old and the new.
 

▲ The installation view of the exhibition ⓒ Lee Lee Nam, Indang MuseumLee's exploration of clay and graphic animation in the late 1990s and early 2000s led to significant recognition, including winning the grand prize at the 2002 SK Telecom Animation Competition.

Starting in 2004, Lee began integrating traditional paintings with digital media, producing notable works like 'New-Mukjukdo' and 'New-Mona Lisa,' which creatively reinterpret classic images.

The current exhibition at Indang Museum showcases over ten large-scale digital media video installations, featuring new works such as 'New Mukjukdo' and 'Waterfall Transformed into Poetry.'
 

▲ The installation view of the exhibition ⓒ Lee Lee Nam, Indang MuseumLee's artworks transform traditional ink wash paintings into digital images, utilizing cutting-edge technology to create interactive art experiences that blend classic aesthetics with modern innovation.

This exhibition emphasizes active interaction between viewers and the artwork, utilizing technologies such as VR, AR, XR, and AI to blur the lines between reality and the virtual world.

Lee's work reflects a deep understanding of both tradition and modernity, presenting a vision of the future that harmoniously integrates digital technology with artistic creativity.

Sayart / Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com