Seoul, September 5, 2023 SayArt - Gallery Baton in Hannam-dong is set to showcase a new solo exhibition, Exceptionally Complex, Yet Elegantly Engineered, featuring works by Korean artist Lee Jaeseok from August 23 to September 27, 2023. The exhibit offers fresh perspectives on Lee's evolving artistic concerns, moving from societal uniformity to the intricate workings of nature and the cosmos.

 

▲ CARRIER_2, 2023, acrylic on canvas, 193.9x112.1cm, Courtesy of Gallery Baton.

Korean artist Lee Jaeseok delves into the laws of nature, particularly the concept of gravity, as an overarching theme in his art. His works display meticulous attention to balance and structure, evident in the careful arrangement of elements in his paintings. For example, his 2023 series, Alignment, subtly explores the moon's gravitational pull on tides. These pieces serve as snapshots of reality, each framed by the laws of physics.

Contrastingly, some of Lee’s art, like the 2023 pieces Carrier_1 and Carrier_2, defy gravity and appear surreal. These works push the boundaries of conventional space and time, suggesting that not everything in his artistic universe adheres to known physical laws. Lee's earlier background in designing digital game items informs this interest in the potential of individual entities, even those that seem inert or lifeless.

▲ ILLUSION, 2023, acrylic on canvas, 193.9x112.1cm, Courtesy of Gallery Baton.

 

Symbols play an essential role in Lee's art. Originally rooted in his experiences during military service, these symbols act as a secondary narrative layer, highlighting the complex dynamics often concealed in the two-dimensional medium of painting. By doing so, he invites viewers to engage more deeply with his work.

 

▲ ALIGNMENT, 2023, gel stone, acrylic on canvas, 259.1x193.9cm, Courtesy of Gallery Baton.Lee Jaeseok, born in 1989, is a Mokwon University graduate with a Bachelor's and Master’s in Fine Arts. He has previously exhibited in Seoul and Daejeon, and his works are part of several esteemed collections. This upcoming exhibition at Gallery Baton is another milestone in his increasingly notable career.

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