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Statement on BAMBOO SERIES
Seung’s new studio on the North Fork of Eastern Long Island is shrouded with bamboo. While struggling to make art during pandemic times, Seung spent many days exercising “bamboo management”. Subsequently, an area for meditation and artwork was created. Bamboo replaced Kodama.
Bamboo reflects strength, flexibility, and health. It’s strength teaches us to stand upright in this difficult time. It’s flexibility teaches us to adapt to the hard circumstances and spring back after experiencing adversity. The combination of these virtues teaches us how to find balance and peace in our lives, thereby improving our overall health.
For over 40 years, Seung Lee’s artwork deals with the manipulation of the art space, which provides the viewer with an opportunity to share in a vision of environmental and social downfall urging the viewer to reflect on their own experience and act accordingly.
Kodama-trees inhabited by spirits-dominated Seung’s subject matter for the past 15 years.
ARTIST STATEMENT:
Art making is a spiritual activity occupied with time (past, present, and future) and space (pictorial and personal).
I see the present as the pivot point on which the past and future revolve, the only solid point of orientation for time. I am constantly trying to learn of my inner self, striving to exist more in the present. My ideas are clearest when I’m closest to this point of orientation. I believe it’s the only way to create an honest work of art.
Many of the subjects and materials in my works are discovered on the street or in other surroundings: wood scraps, dishes, tree roots, broken TVs, VCRs, and other found materials. I assemble those things for which I have strong feelings with enthusiasm and integrity. Some objects seem content to remain on the street while others beg me to bring them to life.
Those objects seem to have a history, which is compelling to me. I often feel like I am translating a statement they are making through different media --- video installation, painting, assemblage sculpture, photograph, and drawing, I amplify their essential quality. The symbols in my works are also based on founded objects, such as columns, trees, dishes, chairs, game boards, etc… I have particular interest in these images because of their relationship to society and the environment. Discarded objects directly comment on the wasteful and disposable nature of society. My recent work deals with the creation of an inventive environment, which provides the viewer with an opportunity to share in a vision of environmental and social down fall and hopefully inspire them to reflect on their own experience and concerns.
As my life grows and changes, so the discarded objects and symbols in my work evolve. This is the nature of time and space. Time moves on, and it's effect on my environment is evident.
Seung’s new studio on the North Fork of Eastern Long Island is shrouded with bamboo. While struggling to make art during pandemic times, Seung spent many days exercising “bamboo management”. Subsequently, an area for meditation and artwork was created. Bamboo replaced Kodama.
Bamboo reflects strength, flexibility, and health. It’s strength teaches us to stand upright in this difficult time. It’s flexibility teaches us to adapt to the hard circumstances and spring back after experiencing adversity. The combination of these virtues teaches us how to find balance and peace in our lives, thereby improving our overall health.
For over 40 years, Seung Lee’s artwork deals with the manipulation of the art space, which provides the viewer with an opportunity to share in a vision of environmental and social downfall urging the viewer to reflect on their own experience and act accordingly.
Kodama-trees inhabited by spirits-dominated Seung’s subject matter for the past 15 years.
ARTIST STATEMENT:
Art making is a spiritual activity occupied with time (past, present, and future) and space (pictorial and personal).
I see the present as the pivot point on which the past and future revolve, the only solid point of orientation for time. I am constantly trying to learn of my inner self, striving to exist more in the present. My ideas are clearest when I’m closest to this point of orientation. I believe it’s the only way to create an honest work of art.
Many of the subjects and materials in my works are discovered on the street or in other surroundings: wood scraps, dishes, tree roots, broken TVs, VCRs, and other found materials. I assemble those things for which I have strong feelings with enthusiasm and integrity. Some objects seem content to remain on the street while others beg me to bring them to life.
Those objects seem to have a history, which is compelling to me. I often feel like I am translating a statement they are making through different media --- video installation, painting, assemblage sculpture, photograph, and drawing, I amplify their essential quality. The symbols in my works are also based on founded objects, such as columns, trees, dishes, chairs, game boards, etc… I have particular interest in these images because of their relationship to society and the environment. Discarded objects directly comment on the wasteful and disposable nature of society. My recent work deals with the creation of an inventive environment, which provides the viewer with an opportunity to share in a vision of environmental and social down fall and hopefully inspire them to reflect on their own experience and concerns.
As my life grows and changes, so the discarded objects and symbols in my work evolve. This is the nature of time and space. Time moves on, and it's effect on my environment is evident.
