Jiyung Lee's artistic journey is a captivating exploration of the interplay between words, images, and the everyday. Her work, which transcends traditional labels like illustration or design, is a testament to the power of visual storytelling. What makes Lee's practice truly intriguing is her unique approach to creating art, where a single word becomes the catalyst for a visual odyssey. This process, she explains, is almost like a catalogue layout, but it's more than just a collection of objects; it's a poem in the making.
Born and raised in South Korea, Lee's educational path was a meandering one. She initially studied fine art, but her curiosity led her to Communication Design in France. This decision, she reflects, was pivotal in expanding her artistic horizons. The small, intimate nature of the French school allowed her to explore a myriad of disciplines, from printmaking to graphic design, all while staying true to her passion for drawing. This eclectic approach, she believes, has been instrumental in translating ideas into visual languages, a skill she cherishes.
Lee's work is characterized by her fascination with structure and organization, particularly in everyday situations. Market stalls, with their chaotic yet ordered arrangement of fruits, vegetables, and household goods, are a recurring muse. She finds beauty in the way supermarket flyers and catalogues present items, grouping and repeating them in a visual logic that tells a story. This obsession with arrangement and composition is what drives her creative process.
Her artistic method involves choosing a subject and then dividing the page into a grid, akin to a catalogue layout. This grid becomes a canvas where each object is meticulously drawn, limited by rulers, circle templates, and ellipse guides. The result is a stripped-back, abstract representation that is both recognizable and intriguing. Lee's skill lies in finding the perfect balance between removing and adding elements, ensuring her work remains legible and captivating.
The 'bread' series is a prime example of Lee's unique style. Croissants, baguettes, and buns are arranged on a dark background in warm hues, creating a silhouette that reads like a taxonomy of carbohydrates. Similarly, the 'insect' Riso print, made in collaboration with RFI Gallery in Hamburg, is a vivid, dreamlike field guide featuring beetles, moths, and butterflies. These pieces showcase Lee's ability to transform digital drawings into tactile, physical art, a process she finds incredibly rewarding.
At the heart of Lee's work is a profound belief that nothing is purely visual. She sees human presence behind every object, be it the designer, maker, chooser, user, or arranger. Even the most ordinary item, she argues, carries traces of intention and everyday life. This perspective adds a layer of depth and meaning to her art, making it more than just a collection of images; it's a reflection of the human experience.
In conclusion, Jiyung Lee's artistic journey is a testament to the power of curiosity and the beauty of the everyday. Her work challenges traditional boundaries, inviting viewers to see the world through a new lens. It's a reminder that art can be found in the most mundane of places, and that a single word can spark a visual revolution. Lee's unique approach to illustration and design is a treasure for the art world, offering a fresh perspective on the relationship between words, images, and the human experience.
