Sayart.net - Illustrator Lee.K starting ′Chapter 2′ “Blooming Grey“

Produced by Maria Kim

Sayart.net(세이아트)
Jason Yim yimjongho1969@gmail.com

Illustrator, Lee.K mainly draws various faces on canvas. He has received favorable reviews not only in Korea, but also in England, France, Germany, Russia, etc. For drawing a portrait of Jimin, a world-class pop star BTS.

In particular, his portrait of Jimin in an exhibition held at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, France in September last year became an international topic. This is because Jimin's face, he drew at the time was adopted as the representative image of the poster, and countless visitors from all over the world came to see the painting. 

▲ untitled#J2102_Oil on canvas_1200x900mm_2021, Courtesy of Lee.K

However, this success is quite different from his intentions. He only paints many faces on canvas for a long time. By distorting the mouth of the face in the painting, he criticized “the wrong habit people commit with language.”

In the artist's note, he also defined, "I don't want to respond to the world's disrespectful questions. This is also one of the reasons I don't draw mouths."

In other words, his work is “visualization of abstract concepts such as misunderstandings and discord caused by words.” He is relieving the uncomfortable scars created by language through painting.

▲ Untitle #P2012 oil on canvas, 1750x1450mm, 2020, Courtesy of Lee.K

"Some people misunderstand that I'm trying to get something by drawing a celebrity's face. But I draw Jimin because his face is artistically valuable. I think his face is as touching as BTS's music. His face has a special touch that encompasses the East and the West.” He said.

He is having a very busy schedule these days. Because of Many overseas exhibitions are hoping to display his works. Also, fans from many countries around the world visit his official Instagram to appreciate his works. Currently, his official Instagram followers are approaching 400,000.

In fact, he had to stop being an artist for 6 years. His life blocked the path for him to become an artist. After many twists and turns, He could paint again. That was when he was in his mid-30s.

"Even when I started painting again, I didn't set out to be a painter. Every day, I put my kids to bed and drew late in the evening for fun. It made me happy. I posted a feed on Instagram every day for a year. As the number of people who like my paintings gradually increased, I had more fun. I believe in the saying "If you enjoy it, the results will come naturally". He said with a laugh.

Lee.K said he had a small dream. “I wish I could continue to draw without getting bored like now, even after time passes,” he said.

It is safe to say that his studio is on or around his desk. Playing with dry materials such as charcoal, pencils, markers, etc. That are placed on the desk and can be easily picked up by simply reaching out, that is his work. It's just something he likes, but he thinks it doesn't require complicated preparations or processes.

At first, he did digital work or drawing work. It took him about four years before he started working on canvas like other artists. Even if he is currently working on canvas, he digitally implements a detailed picture in advance and refers to it to canvas work.

He has held five solo exhibitions so far. He defined a series of processes from painting again to canvas work as “Chapter 1”. His chapter 1 has a rather dark side. These are delicate, sleek and realistic paintings, but this dark side could actually be “uncomfortable” to someone. Nevertheless, his Chapter 1 works were enough for the audience to feel the heat he exudes as an artist.

▲ Blooming#2212 Oil on Canvas 2022, 1000x803mm, Courtesy of Lee.K

He recently started 'Chapter 2'. The subject of the painting in Chapter 2 is still a human face. However the characters in Chapter 2 are creations that do not exist unlike the previous ones. He worked as an illustrator for a publishing company in his 20s and drew various characters. This know-how was fully incorporated into his Chapter 2.

"Actually, I really like drawing characters. The title of Chapter 2 is “Blooming Gray”. Blooming symbolizes the birth of life like a flower blooming, and Gray symbolizes graphite like charcoal or pencil, which I often use. I try to draw an overflowing positive image,” he said.

Fans are generally responding positively to his change, saying that he has become “brighter and brighter.”

▲ Blooming#2201_oil on canvas_2022_30F_909x727mm, Courtesy of Lee.K

“Unlike my previous work, The damaged mouth is gone means that I have been healed that much,” he noted. He was growing with his work like other artists,

Meanwhile,He’ll participate in several exhibitions at home and abroad from April to the end of this year. Two months from now is an extra time for him to immerse himself in his work. And he plans to publish a pictorial collection of his works so far next month.