Installation view of “Red and Shiny” ©ARARIO GALLERY SEOULARARIO GALLERY presents a solo exhibition
“Red and Shiny” by LEE Dongwook, through October 12, at its Seoul Branch.
The solo exhibition “Red and Shiny” is a visual collection of
LEE's recent interests, which have continuously explored relationships on
various levels. Thematically, Lee has examined the relationship between society
and humans, while sensorially, he has focused on maximizing the inherent nature
of specific objects or the visual qualities of materials.
Installation view of “Red and Shiny” ©ARARIO GALLERY SEOULOn the 4th floor, visitors can encounter the large-scale installation Shiny (2024), where various materials, all unified by their silver hue, are connected and arranged to create a cohesive work. This work, composed of platinum-coated tree branches, various silver objects, and silver wrapping ribbons, creates a subtle visual tension between the materials.
Installation view of “Red and Shiny” ©ARARIO GALLERY SEOULOn the 5th floor, the exhibition continues with LEE's exploration of contemporary human existence, a theme he has long examined through the depiction of small human figures within specific structures. However, in these new works, the direct representation of flesh-toned human figures, which LEE frequently portrayed in the past, has been significantly reduced. Instead, the emphasis is placed on the structures themselves, with humans depicted almost as if they are crushed flesh, buried within these constructions, inviting viewers to contemplate the human condition within these confines. And, this exhibition features rough, mold-cast red figures symbolizing life.
