The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of Sungkok Art Museum
Jeongkeun Lee’s solo exhibition, Awaken Gills, currently on display at Sungkok Art Museum as part of the SAM 2024 Open Call, presents a profound exploration of vulnerability, resilience, and artistic metamorphosis. Through the interplay of photography and sculptural framing, Lee redefines the boundaries of artistic mediums, offering a conceptual depth that invites viewers to reconsider the relationship between fragility and survival in both art and life.
The exhibition is deeply personal, rooted in a pivotal moment when Lee’s studio was devastated by a flood, destroying his previous works. This experience inspired him to create artworks that could endure disaster—photographs encased in frames that act as protective armor. These frames are not mere physical reinforcements but integral components of the artwork, transforming the photographs into entities capable of mimicking other forms and even other species.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of Sungkok Art Museum
In Lee’s works, the frames and images form a symbiotic relationship that mirrors the biological phenomenon of mimicry. One notable example is a photograph of vertical black lines on fabric, encased in a fin-shaped frame that evokes the gills of a shark. While the photograph remains as fragile as paper, its transformation into a symbol of predatory dominance highlights Lee’s conceptual engagement with survival strategies in nature.
The title, Awaken Gills, is a metaphorical nod to resilience and adaptation. Drawing from the concept of a bunker—a refuge against disaster—the exhibition positions the gallery space as a sanctuary for Lee’s fragile yet fortified artworks. The photographs, encased in their sculptural frames, stand upright as if to assert their presence and invite introspection, encouraging viewers to explore imagined worlds of transformation.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of Sungkok Art Museum
Lee’s artistic process draws parallels to literature and mythology, where metamorphosis is a recurring theme. From Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, in which a man awakens as an insect, to folklore about serpents disguising themselves as humans, these narratives resonate in Lee’s works. His framed photographs become portals to alternate realities, crossing the boundaries between human and non-human, fragile and invincible.
The frames also serve as a metaphor for the artist’s journey. Lee describes his use of framing as akin to the protective layers individuals adopt to navigate their vulnerabilities—be it stylish clothing, makeup, or a persona. This analogy is particularly poignant for a young artist navigating the precariousness of the contemporary art world. Through his work, Lee transforms his uncertainties into a visual narrative of strength and adaptation.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of Sungkok Art Museum
The exhibition’s thematic depth is underscored by the curatorial context of the SAM 2024 Open Call, a program aimed at supporting emerging Korean artists. Alongside Lee, the program features exhibitions by Keunwook Ji (Qua-o-ar) and Hyoung San Jun (Tangled and Scattered), showcasing the innovative approaches of a new generation of artists. By providing a platform for these voices, Sungkok Art Museum continues to shape the discourse on contemporary Korean art.
The significance of Awaken Gills lies not only in its conceptual sophistication but also in its ability to evoke empathy and reflection. The works challenge viewers to consider their strategies for navigating a world fraught with uncertainty and change. Each photograph, framed and transformed, becomes a mirror for the human condition—a testament to the power of adaptation and the beauty of imperfection.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of Sungkok Art Museum
Through his art, Lee blurs the lines between vulnerability and resilience, pushing the boundaries of what photography can achieve. His works are not merely objects to be observed but experiences to be felt, bridging the gap between the artist’s narrative and universal themes of survival and transformation.
Jeongkeun Lee’s Awaken Gills is a masterful exploration of the interplay between art, nature, and human emotion. By transforming fragility into strength, Lee offers a poignant commentary on the enduring power of creativity and adaptation, making this exhibition a must-see for those seeking to engage deeply with contemporary art.
Sayart / Nao Yim, yimnao@naver.com
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of Sungkok Art Museum
Jeongkeun Lee’s solo exhibition, Awaken Gills, currently on display at Sungkok Art Museum as part of the SAM 2024 Open Call, presents a profound exploration of vulnerability, resilience, and artistic metamorphosis. Through the interplay of photography and sculptural framing, Lee redefines the boundaries of artistic mediums, offering a conceptual depth that invites viewers to reconsider the relationship between fragility and survival in both art and life.
The exhibition is deeply personal, rooted in a pivotal moment when Lee’s studio was devastated by a flood, destroying his previous works. This experience inspired him to create artworks that could endure disaster—photographs encased in frames that act as protective armor. These frames are not mere physical reinforcements but integral components of the artwork, transforming the photographs into entities capable of mimicking other forms and even other species.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of Sungkok Art Museum
In Lee’s works, the frames and images form a symbiotic relationship that mirrors the biological phenomenon of mimicry. One notable example is a photograph of vertical black lines on fabric, encased in a fin-shaped frame that evokes the gills of a shark. While the photograph remains as fragile as paper, its transformation into a symbol of predatory dominance highlights Lee’s conceptual engagement with survival strategies in nature.
The title, Awaken Gills, is a metaphorical nod to resilience and adaptation. Drawing from the concept of a bunker—a refuge against disaster—the exhibition positions the gallery space as a sanctuary for Lee’s fragile yet fortified artworks. The photographs, encased in their sculptural frames, stand upright as if to assert their presence and invite introspection, encouraging viewers to explore imagined worlds of transformation.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of Sungkok Art Museum
Lee’s artistic process draws parallels to literature and mythology, where metamorphosis is a recurring theme. From Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, in which a man awakens as an insect, to folklore about serpents disguising themselves as humans, these narratives resonate in Lee’s works. His framed photographs become portals to alternate realities, crossing the boundaries between human and non-human, fragile and invincible.
The frames also serve as a metaphor for the artist’s journey. Lee describes his use of framing as akin to the protective layers individuals adopt to navigate their vulnerabilities—be it stylish clothing, makeup, or a persona. This analogy is particularly poignant for a young artist navigating the precariousness of the contemporary art world. Through his work, Lee transforms his uncertainties into a visual narrative of strength and adaptation.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of Sungkok Art Museum
The exhibition’s thematic depth is underscored by the curatorial context of the SAM 2024 Open Call, a program aimed at supporting emerging Korean artists. Alongside Lee, the program features exhibitions by Keunwook Ji (Qua-o-ar) and Hyoung San Jun (Tangled and Scattered), showcasing the innovative approaches of a new generation of artists. By providing a platform for these voices, Sungkok Art Museum continues to shape the discourse on contemporary Korean art.
The significance of Awaken Gills lies not only in its conceptual sophistication but also in its ability to evoke empathy and reflection. The works challenge viewers to consider their strategies for navigating a world fraught with uncertainty and change. Each photograph, framed and transformed, becomes a mirror for the human condition—a testament to the power of adaptation and the beauty of imperfection.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of Sungkok Art Museum
Through his art, Lee blurs the lines between vulnerability and resilience, pushing the boundaries of what photography can achieve. His works are not merely objects to be observed but experiences to be felt, bridging the gap between the artist’s narrative and universal themes of survival and transformation.
Jeongkeun Lee’s Awaken Gills is a masterful exploration of the interplay between art, nature, and human emotion. By transforming fragility into strength, Lee offers a poignant commentary on the enduring power of creativity and adaptation, making this exhibition a must-see for those seeking to engage deeply with contemporary art.
