Kangwook Lee

Lee Kangwook has been exploring the issues of metaphysical realms and the self through the motif of cells in his paintings. He questions what the essence of the self is and focuses on cells, the nano-particles that constitute the minimum of oneself. Starting from the microscopic world represented by cells, the artist portrays the macroscopic world of the universe through painting. He raises questions about the fundamental reality of the universe and the essence of painting, exploring them through various forms of sculptural experiments within the domain of flat painting. This is well demonstrated in his representative work, "Invisible Space Image," where microscopic organisms, shaped geometrically, fill the canvas, showing how they connect to one macroscopic world depending on relative standards. In addition, as seen in the "Geometric Form" and "The Gesture" series, his works intricately layer the basic elements of painting - points, lines, and planes - along with the colors that constitute the screen. By constructing a two-dimensional flat space into an infinite three-dimensional macro space, he hopes to convey the principles of the universe to humans from infinite space and to achieve insight and contemplation towards the self. Lee Kangwook graduated from the Department of Painting and the Graduate School of Hongik University, obtained a master's degree from Chelsea College in London, and a doctoral degree from East London University. He is currently a professor in the Department of Painting at Hongik University. Starting from the Total Museum in 2002, he held solo exhibitions at venues such as Noh Gallery (2004, 2007, 2011), Dongkyung Gallery (2014), Arario Gallery (2016, 2017), Gallery HU Singapore (2014, 2017), and Lotte Department Store Main Branch Avenue L Artwalk (2024). He has participated in numerous group exhibitions such as the Seoul Museum of Art (2005), the Hongik University Museum of Contemporary Art (2015), the Museum SAN (2019), and the LEUM Art Space (2021). He has received awards such as the Grand Prize at the Korea National Art Exhibition (2001), the Dong-A Art Prize at the Dong-A Art Festival (2002), the Grand Prize at the Central Art Exhibition (2002), and the Song-Eun Art Award Grant (2003). His works are housed in institutions such as the Ho-Am Art Museum, Seoul Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.