Chounhwan Lee

Installation view of Chounhwan Lee-사유 思惟 at SEOJUNG ART Seoul. Courtesy of SEOJUNG ART.

SEOJUNG ART is delighted to announce a solo exhibition 《Contemplation》 by acclaimed artist Chounhwan Lee, running from July 12 to August 16, 2024. This exhibit offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in a meditative journey, as envisioned by the artist.

The exhibition begins with the artist’s desire to invite visitors to take a rest from the reality where there is a lack of time for contemplation. In a modern society where excessive information is rapidly consumed and quickly forgotten, many experience situations where the act of ‘viewing’ fails to lead to deep contemplation. In an environment that prioritises maximum efficiency in minimal time, finding moments to silently self-reflect is not easily permitted.

Installation view of Chounhwan Lee-사유 思惟 at SEOJUNG ART Seoul. Courtesy of SEOJUNG ART.

Through this exhibition, Chounhwan Lee will unveil approximately 15 new works, including pieces from his ‘Contemplation’ series. Inspired by nature and infused with Korean hues, these works evolved from his ‘Light+Grain’ series.

Chounhwan Lee, 사유 (思惟), 2023. Mixed media on canvas, 90.9 x 72.7 cm. Courtesy of SEOJUNG ART and the artist.

They abstractly represent natural elements such as mountains, water, light, and wind, to devise mental and physical tranquillity. The artist suggests that only by clearing our minds and easing our vision can we achieve rational judgement and engage in philosophical contemplation about the essence of existence.

Chounhwan Lee, 사유 (思惟), 2024. Mixed media on canvas, 162.2 x 130.3 cm. Courtesy of SEOJUNG ART and the artist.

The ‘Contemplation’ series originates from his work ‘Light+Grain,’ which visualises light reflected in water. ‘Light+Grain’ embodies the culmination of the artist’s 40 years of dedication, showcasing a journey from traditional ink painting through representational and semi-representational art to abstract forms of nature. Chounhwan Lee’s abstract paintings, reminiscent of vast plains or horizons where the sky and earth merge, seek to provide mental serenity gained from gazing into the distance. The subtle vibration of colours in tranquil landscapes, the thrill conveyed through layers of overlapping paint, and the consistent texture layers act as anchors amidst fleeting moments, delivering a profound resonance. As suggested by the unified titles of his new works, the artist does not differentiate between the meanings inherent in each form. Instead, the variations in colour and the faintly revealed abstract movements on the canvas guide different rhythms of breathing, implying that the end of one’s gaze is the final destination of contemplation.

Chounhwan Lee, 사유 (思惟), 2024. Mixed media on canvas, 116.8 x 80.3 cm. Courtesy of SEOJUNG ART and the artist.

The spaces of emptiness in the exhibition, along with the blank areas left within densely filled canvases, propose a journey towards the essence, free from any distractions. This exhibition hopes to prompt visitors to consider what can be gained from contemplation, essence, and the paused moments, as viewed through the gaze of an artist who believes that the act of filling and simultaneously emptying the canvas is the path to profound practice.

SEOJUNG ART Seoul
12, Bongeunsa-ro 47-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
+82 1644 1454

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