The Cluster Gallery is pleased to announce “Paradoxical Space + Gestural Color”, an invitational solo exhibition of recent works by Kangwook Lee. The exhibition will be on view from June 27 through July 21, 2018, with a public opening reception on Wednesday, June 27, 7-9pm.
Kangwook Lee’s works are landscapes depicting an invisible space. An invisible space that could be very small, very big or even imaginary. As an organic cell or nerve tissue, this space is invisible to the human eyes and it becomes evident when magnified. Cell division and movement when magnified look like solar explosions or galaxies’ movement on a macroscopic scale. Lee’s abstract paintings represent the juxtaposition of microscopic and macroscopic worlds. Whether representing an organic phenomenon or a celestial event, each piece is a story harmonizing these two opposite worlds in a distinctively organic way.
Lee’s “Paradoxical Space + Gestural Color” represents his most recent work showcasing the artist’s unique way of using wide spectrum of hues, tones and tints. By repeating the acts of painting, removing, erasing, rubbing, and repainting, Lee creates thick layers of paint and ultimately an infinite space. Characteristic it is his way to use the color white – color connoting Korean traditional culture – as transparent and hidden background creating a fantastic atmosphere.
Lee received BFA and MFA degrees in Painting from Hong Ik University. He won a grand prize at the ‘National Grand Fine Art Exhibition’ (2001), a Dong-A Art Grand Prize at ‘Dong-A Art Festival’ (2002), a grand prize at ‘Joong-Ang Fine Arts Competition’ (2002) and a Support Prize at ‘Songeun Grand Art Exhibition’ (2003), among many other respectable domestic art competitions. In 2009, Lee moved to the United Kingdom where he earned a MFA at Chelsea College (2011) and a Ph.D. at East London University (2015). Today he lives and works between London and South Korea.