By Honorary Reporter Arpita Diwakar from India
Photos = Lee Jee-young

Photography and installation artist Lee Jee-young is known for her signature handcrafted dreamscapes, creating intricate sets entirely by hand and capturing them in a single shot. She is most famous for her acclaimed "Stage of Mind" series, a surrealistic photography exhibition.

Her work has been exhibited across continents in prestigious venues such as Now Gallery in London, Theatre Paris-Villette, Singapore Art Museum and Museum of Photographic Arts in San Diego.

Earning a bachelor's in visual communication design and a master's in photography both from Korea's top fine arts university Hongik and a finalist for the 2011 Sovereign Art Prize, Lee has also had her work featured in global media like NBC News, CNN International, France 3 and China Daily. 

Lee Jee-young is known for her elaborate installations at her studio that she photographs without digital manipulation.

The following are excerpts from an email interview with Lee from July 2-10.

Briefly introduce yourself and your artistic philosophy.
I am an artist who uses photography and installations to express my creative world into tangible art. Inspired by my personal experiences, memories and emotions, my creative process is a journey of self-discovery into immersive visual narratives. I aim to create an emotional connection with viewers, encouraging them to reflect on their own experiences and find personal meaning within my pieces.

Your works transform small spaces into dreamlike worlds. Why use this approach?
I majored in visual communication design at university, dreaming of a career in production or stage design. My passion for creating imagined landscapes solidified while making props and sets for my university's filmmaking club.

After working as an assistant at a commercial production company, I completely changed course. The intense workload and lack of creative freedom made me realize that it wasn't my path; instead, I rediscovered my dream of becoming an artist. Preparing photography work for my graduation exhibition became the foundation for my "Stage of Mind" series.

How has your Korean identity influenced your art?
My work primarily stems from my personal experiences, childhood memories and the Korean cultural landscape I grew up in. I frequently integrate Korean folktales, literature and proverbs into my narratives. For instance, "I'll Be Back" was inspired by the classic folktale "The Sun and Moon" and "Resurrection" by another folktale, "Simcheongjeon" (Tale of Simcheong). My works also express the high societal pressure and expectations I've felt in Korea's competitive society.

Lee Jee-young's works "I'll Be Back" (left) and "Resurrection" were inspired by Korean folktales.

Works from Lee Jee-young's studio

What upcoming projects or exhibitions do you have planned?

I'm working on a new series called "Into the Mist," for which I held the first solo exhibition in 2024. This work was inspired by an experience where I unexpectedly found myself caught in a thick fog, unable to see what was ahead. The series explores themes of life's uncertainties, inner solitude and anxiety, and confronting one's inner self.

What advice do you have for young artists in Korea?

I think it's important to explore yourself deeply. Your most personal experiences are precisely what can carry the most universal messages and will form the foundation for developing your unique artistic language. And most important is to believe in yourself and consistently pursue your work. I believe that every artist has their own pace and path.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.