Introducing the works of artist Kangwook Lee in collaboration with Peyto Gallery, capturing contemplative beauty during the winter of 2024 and the start of 2025.
There are moments when observing nature makes one feel as if all answers lie within it. The events in the macrocosm often mirror the principles of the microcosm. The insights gained from viewing the phenomena around us with awe inspire not only the artistic world of Kangwook Lee but also the Solbam team. This winter, Solbam, in collaboration with Peyto Gallery, presents the works of Kang Wook Lee, one of the leading figures in contemporary Korean art. Guests visiting Solbam from the winter of 2024 to the beginning of 2025 will encounter a space imbued with his art.
Kangwook Lee graduated with a degree in painting and art studies from Hongik University, earned his master's degree at Chelsea College of Arts in London, and completed his doctorate at the University of East London, building an extensive career in the art world. In 2002, he gained recognition by winning the grand prize at the JoongAng Fine Arts Prize, making headlines as the youngest winner at the age of 26 and drawing attention with his prolific and evolving body of work.
The philosophy behind his art lies in portraying the contrasting spatial concepts of the microscopic and macroscopic within a single canvas. His "Invisible Space-Image" series is a prime example of this exploration, depicting microscopic images like cells alongside vast scenes of the universe to provide viewers with visual depth. His work transcends simple visual representation, posing questions about existence beyond material reality and prompting philosophical contemplation. Lee explains that he developed the motifs for his work by delving into fundamental questions found in ancient philosophical texts like the 'Upanishads,' such as "Who am I?" and "What exists beyond matter?"
In the main dining hall at Solbam, guests can experience his “Gesture” series. Through brushstrokes, Lee explores the process-oriented beauty inherent in painting, using the act of brushwork as a key element to express his philosophy and character. Lee notes, “Painting reveals its essence through the gestures that showcase the artist’s unique working method and philosophy.” By conveying his rhythm and emotions through brushstrokes, Lee’s work accumulates like a practice or meditation, ultimately resulting in a piece that encapsulates time and energy. Viewers can sense the energy and time of the artist's creative process through these works. His brushstrokes, which naturally evolve in color and form, generate a fresh and mysterious atmosphere and spatial depth with each viewing.
The pieces displayed at Solbam showcase the essence of his diverse color techniques and layering methods. Lee’s use of multiple layers of paint creates subtle tonal changes, with the works evoking images of cells seen under a magnifying glass or the vast landscapes of the universe. His technique, which adds visual depth through layered applications reminiscent of the shading in traditional Asian art, goes beyond the mere beauty of color. This approach allows the light and color to change based on the viewer’s angle and movement, revealing various facets of a single piece.
Notably, the "Invisible Space-Image" series exhibited in the space connecting the drawing room and dining hall explores the distance between the viewer and the artwork, illustrating how the microscopic and macroscopic worlds coexist. Up close, the intricate dots and lines become visible, while from afar, they transform into a grand image. This artistic characteristic reflects his profound exploration of space, enabling viewers to experience a rhythmic harmony between stillness and movement within his works.
Through these sculptural explorations, Kangwook Lee continues to delve into the essence of space and time, inviting us to reflect on the nature of consciousness and existence through art. The pieces displayed in this exhibition at Solbam carry the power to evoke dynamic energy within serenity as time flows naturally.
With this exhibition, Solbam aims to enrich the intersection of fine dining and art. Kangwook Lee’s works encourage viewers to engage in dialogue with their inner selves and explore the intrinsic connection between art and nature within the space. At the turn of the year, a time filled with both closure and new beginnings, we invite you to enjoy the works of Kangwook Lee presented by Peyto Gallery at Solbam for an even more special experience.
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