Gana Art Hannam is hosting So Youn Lee’s latest solo exhibition, "9," from January 17 to February 18, 2025. The Los Angeles-based artist, known for her multidisciplinary approach spanning painting, sculpture, digital art, 3D, and ceramics, presents a new body of work inspired by the tarot card ‘The Hermit’ (Number 9). The exhibition delves into themes of isolation, self-exploration, and the transformative power of solitude, inviting viewers to engage with Lee’s whimsical yet introspective universe.

Born in 1984, So Youn Lee initially studied animation in South Korea before relocating to the United States in 2008, where she embarked on a full-time artistic career. Her early works captured the alienation and displacement she experienced as an outsider in a foreign land. Over time, her artistic practice evolved beyond the themes of loneliness, embracing the challenges of change as meaningful adventures. Through her art, Lee constructs a distinct and deeply personal worldview, addressing universal human emotions such as modern-day isolation and interpersonal relationships.

At the core of "9" is Lee’s fascination with The Hermit, a tarot figure depicted as a traveler holding a lantern, symbolizing inner enlightenment and a journey toward self-awareness. Her recent works feature solitary yet resilient characters—a dinosaur left behind on a ruined planet, a lonely star adrift in a foreign galaxy, and a mushroom that has left its forest habitat. These figures are not passive symbols of isolation but rather pioneers venturing into uncharted territories, transforming solitude into exploration and discovery.

Rather than dictating a fixed narrative, Lee encourages viewers to imagine the potential futures of these characters. Could the dinosaur rebuild a new world after its own has perished? Might the lone star find its unique brilliance in unfamiliar surroundings? Could the displaced mushroom establish a new ecosystem beyond its original forest? The large, reflective eyes of her characters do not convey fear or despair but instead exude curiosity and a calm acceptance of the unknown. Through these elements, the exhibition challenges the notion that solitude is inherently negative, suggesting instead that it can be a catalyst for growth and new possibilities.

Lee states, “Art expands our perception of everyday life, allowing us to experience personal and spiritual connections on a deeper level.” True to her words, "9" invites the audience to become active participants in its unfolding narrative, interpreting the characters’ journeys through their own emotional lens. By infusing a sense of warmth and fantasy into universally relatable emotions, Lee’s work provides an opportunity for viewers to reflect on the breadth of human experience and the hidden hope within solitude.

The exhibition takes place at Gana Art Hannam, located in Hannam-dong, Seoul, and will run until February 18, 2025. The opening reception will be held on January 18 from 4 PM to 6 PM, offering visitors a chance to engage with the artist’s latest creations firsthand.

Sayart / Nao Yim, yimnao@naver.com