Jiyung Lee's artistic journey is a captivating exploration of everyday objects, transforming them into visually stunning and thought-provoking artworks. Her unique approach involves a meticulous process that begins with a single word, evolving into a structured and organized visual narrative. This method, inspired by the arrangement of items in markets and supermarkets, results in a style that resembles a catalogue but feels more like a poetic expression.
Lee's background in fine art and communication design has equipped her with a versatile skill set. She embraces the fluidity of her education, moving between various disciplines such as printmaking, drawing, installation, editorial, and graphic design. This interdisciplinary approach allows her to translate ideas into visual languages effectively, with drawing remaining her cornerstone practice.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Lee's work is her fascination with the boundary between painting, design, and illustration. She challenges the traditional definitions of these art forms, creating images that function as symbols. Her inspiration stems from the structure and organization of everyday situations, particularly the arrangement of objects in markets and supermarkets. This interest in the visual language of everyday life is evident in her work, where she explores the relationship between chaos and order.
The technical aspects of Lee's process are equally fascinating. She divides the page into a grid, almost like a catalogue layout, and then meticulously draws each object within its designated space. Rulers, circle templates, and ellipse guides become productive limitations, guiding her hand while allowing for creativity. The forms are stripped back to their essentials, pushed towards the abstract, and then pulled back to maintain legibility. This delicate balance between abstraction and recognition is a recurring theme in her work.
Lee's series, such as the bread and insect prints, showcase her ability to collaborate with print studios. The bread series, with its warm golds and yellows, creates a silhouette of various carbohydrates, resembling a taxonomy of carbohydrates and a love letter to the boulangerie. The insect Riso print, on the other hand, is a vivid and wild exploration of insects pinned across a black base, blending the lines between a field guide and a surreal dream. These collaborations highlight her appreciation for the tactile and physical qualities of Risograph printing.
At the heart of Lee's work is a profound belief that nothing is purely visual. She emphasizes the human presence behind every object, whether it's the designer, maker, user, or arranger. Even the most ordinary items carry traces of intention and everyday life, making them fascinating subjects for her art. This perspective adds depth and meaning to her creations, inviting viewers to reflect on the stories and histories embedded in everyday objects.
