LEE HYUN-JOUNG

A JOURNEY THROUGH MEMORY AND TIME

Born in 1972 in Seoul, South Korea, Lee Hyun Joung is an artist whose work explores memory, spirituality, and the passage of time. Her works, which she calls "paths," are more than just lines; they represent lived moments, both past and present, inviting viewers into a deeply introspective experience.

After studying Fine Arts at Sejong University in Seoul, Lee Hyun Joung moved to Paris to train in goldsmithing, a craft that deeply influences her artistic approach. This dual heritage shapes her unique artistic language, seamlessly merging Korean traditions with contemporary aesthetics. She works with traditional Korean materials, including Hanji paper and black ink (Muk), creating reliefs that add depth and texture to her compositions. Her experience in jewelry-making is reflected in the meticulous details of some of her works.

For over twenty years, Lee Hyun Joung has exhibited across Europe, South Korea, and China, participating in numerous solo and group exhibitions. In 2017, she was awarded the Taylor Prize at Art Capital in the Grand Palais in Paris, recognizing her talent and contribution to the art world. Her works have been showcased in prestigious venues, including the Taylor Foundation in Paris, Galerie Plexus in Montreux, and The Columns Gallery in Seoul. In 2024, she was honored with the "Ridge Lines" exhibition at Galerie Sept in Brussels, celebrating six years of collaboration between the artist and the gallery.

Lee Hyun Joung’s creative process is deeply meditative. Often working on the floor, she lets the natural relief of Hanji paper emerge, guiding her brush to create linear patterns that either accentuate or obscure these reliefs. Each line reflects a day or a moment lived, and the perception of her work depends on the viewer's inner world and imagination, making every encounter with her art a unique and evolving experience.

Beyond her exhibitions, Lee Hyun Joung has participated in international art fairs, including Asia Now Art Fair in Paris and Art Busan in South Korea. Her works are also part of private collections, including the Cernuschi Museum in Paris since December 2024. Her commitment to art, combined with her ability to merge traditional techniques with a contemporary vision, makes her a key figure in today’s contemporary art scene.