 |
| ▲ The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of the artist |
From July 18 to November 17, the historic Bad Pyrmont Palace in Germany will host a captivating art exhibition by renowned Korean artist Jaden Lee. The exhibition, titled "Unwirklichkeit und Realität" ("Unreality and Reality"), offers a unique blend of Asian and European artistic traditions, creating a distinctive visual language that appeals to a wide range of audiences.
Jaden Lee, who splits his time between Seoul, Berlin, and Lügde, has a rich background in art, having studied and taught at the Art Academy in Seoul. His works are known for merging the formal rigor characteristic of traditional Asian art with the expressive and surreal elements of 20th-century European art. This exhibition is a profound reflection of Lee's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, where he explores the intersection of realistic expression and abstraction to find meaning in the blurred lines between reality and unreality.
 |
| ▲ bluebird 1, 170 x 105 cm, Oil on Silk, 2024, Courtesy of the artist |
Lee often uses monochromatic or colored fabric from traditional Korean hanbok instead of the traditional canvas, a choice that pays homage to his late mother. This innovative use of silk, combined with opaque and translucent paints, creates unexpected and mesmerizing effects. The historical rooms of Bad Pyrmont Palace, with their silk-covered walls and varying light conditions, provide an especially fitting and evocative backdrop for Lee's work. Notably, a recent piece depicting his mother has been sold to a collector and will be displayed in the UK.
The exhibition features not only Lee's paintings but also drawings, videos, and sculptures. This diverse collection highlights Lee's versatility and the depth of his artistic exploration. The accompanying program includes public tours and artist talks on August 21 and October 23 at 3 PM, and a matinee at Kronen-Lichtspiele on September 29 at 11 AM, titled "Müdigkeitsgesellschaft - Die Gesellschaft in Seoul" ("Fatigue Society - The Society in Seoul").
 |
| ▲ Kinder, 160 x 130 cm, Oil on Canvas, 2024, Courtesy of the artist |
Lee expressed his gratitude on Instagram, posting about the exhibition's opening on July 17. He thanked everyone who contributed to the event, including the museum director Dr. Mehring, exhibition designer Alexander, and critic Michael Stoeber, who delivered an exceptional 30-minute critique. The opening was attended by over 150 special guests, including the mayor, foundation director, museum director, and art collectors from various regions, along with admirers from Korea, Portugal, Brazil, Czech Republic, and the United States.
Art critic Michael Stoeber praised Lee's recent work in a review published through the Sanji Gallery. He noted that Lee's recent paintings have shifted towards abstraction, influenced by the emotional turmoil of the pandemic. Stoeber emphasized the autonomy and emotional depth of Lee's abstract art, highlighting how it resonates with viewers by evoking resilience and triumph in the face of adversity.
This exhibition is not just a display of art but a poignant commentary on the human condition during times of crisis. It invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences of reality and unreality, making Lee's work not only visually compelling but also deeply meaningful.
 |
| ▲ The poster of the exhibition, Courtesy of the Schloss Bad Pyrmont |
Sayart / Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com
