Jung Hyun Gallery is proud to announce the solo exhibition of acclaimed Korean artist Kwang Lee, titled "Sewol Pieta_Come Back Home." The exhibition will be on view from March 23 to May 10, 2024, showcasing Lee’s latest works, including the significant <Black Pieta> and <Ojakgyo> series.
Kwang Lee, born in 1970, is a prominent artist based in Berlin. He studied under the renowned neo-expressionist master Markus Lüpertz in Germany, where he meticulously observed European painting traditions. Lee’s work uniquely integrates Eastern philosophy and Korean cultural elements, offering a fresh perspective in contemporary art.
The <Black Pieta> is a standout piece in Lee's oeuvre. Traditionally, a Pieta depicts the Virgin Mary mourning over Jesus. In <Black Pieta>, Lee transcends the Western philosophical dichotomy of black and white, infusing his work with Eastern philosophies that emphasize harmony and balance. This piece reflects the Korean principle of "Hongik Ingan" – broadly benefiting humanity.
The exhibition will also feature the <Ojakgyo> series, including the monumental new work <Sewol Ojakgyo>, created to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster. This piece, inspired by the mythical bridge connecting lovers Gyeonwoo and Jiknyeo, is rendered in vibrant, striking colors. It serves as a poignant metaphor for a bridge between the living and the dead, evoking deep empathy and compassion.
Jung Hyun Gallery, founded in 2022 in Wrocław, Poland, is dedicated to promoting Korean art internationally. Director Park Shin-jae, 39, curated this exhibition to provide emotional solace to Koreans living abroad through art. The gallery also aims to introduce Korean art to European audiences, fostering cultural and artistic exchanges between Korea and Europe.