Seung-Jun Lee (b. 1998, Korea) is an artist and curator based in NY, Brooklyn. His work explores social and cultural themes shaped by his experiences living between Korea and America. With his main focus being large-scale drawings, Lee has exhibited in New York, Baltimore, and Korea, showcasing in venues such as Culture Lab, :iidrr, Current Space, Creative Alliance, and Zak-Eun-Mul. His contributions have been recognized in Suboart Magazine Nr. 21 and Art Forum Magazine, notably for his co-curated show at Gallery Tutu and his upcoming solo show with Subtitled NYC.
Thank you for joining us, Jun. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m a Korean artist currently based in Ridgewood, NY. My work primarily focuses on large-scale drawings and ceramics, which incorporate a delicate balance of instinctive decision-making. My nomadic lifestyle has greatly influenced my adaptability to new environments, allowing me to explore and immerse myself in diverse topics that are tied to specific times and places in my life. This fluidity and openness to change are reflected in my art, making each piece a unique snapshot of my experiences and surroundings.
What is your art about? What ideas are you exploring in your practice?
Absolutely. My practice is an ongoing recording of life, captured daily and monthly. Each drawing is a living, evolving entity, capable of changing at any moment, much like the ebb and flow of life itself. This constant transformation reflects how we navigate through various stages of our existence. The large-scale paper I use acts almost like a map, allowing me to embed daily inspirations and the challenges of city life. Each piece accumulates layers of experiences, evolving through my artistic process. I see my work as a plant-like organism, heavily influenced by its climate—me. This metaphor highlights how my art fluidly grows and adapts, shaped by my everyday lens and experiences as an artist.
You’ve been very active during the past few years. What is the most exciting thing you’ve done or accomplished so far?
Co-curating my first show with Sha Luo at Tutu Gallery was a transformative experience. It introduced me to a different world, allowing me to open up to a collaborative community compared to my solo practice as an artist. The director of Tutu, April Zhu, was incredibly supportive, allowing us the freedom to explore during the installation and the programming of the workshops. Both Sha and I, being artists with our own practices, were able to bring a balanced perspective to the curation process while thinking in the artist’s lens. We carefully selected works that integrated seamlessly with the space, making sure it was how the artist wanted the work to be shown. This experience has inspired me to continue pursuing curation as a part of my career, with the hope of creating more intriguing and thought-provoking shows in the future.
What does “community” mean to you? Has your local community inspired you as a creative?
Community means so much to me; it’s often the only family you have to share your ideas and thoughts on art. Sustaining an artistic practice is challenging, and it’s this community that supports and looks out for you. Initially, I thought of community as the people helping me, but I’ve come to realize it’s crucial to think of it the other way around—offering help and contributing to the community. This mindset of giving and supporting others builds connections and fosters a sense of care and mutual respect. By actively participating and offering help, we create a nurturing environment where everyone can thrive.
What are you working on right now?
I’m currently preparing for my first solo show Carrier Pigeon in New York, which opens in mid-July in a space called Subtitled.nyc. The works in this exhibition are a reflection of my experiences living in the city, capturing moments of finding solace amidst its rapid pace. I’m pushing myself to delve deeper into the concept of site-specificity, which has fascinated me for some time. Subtitled.nyc has given me incredible freedom of expression and a generous one-month installation period. This allows me to create an installation that fully utilizes my skills and knowledge as a drawer, blending my artistic vision with the unique characteristics of the space.
Do you have any advice that you would offer to others?
I believe that it is always crucial to get out of your comfort zone both in the making of art and the living of life. It has pressured me to foster growth and generate an energy that drives evolution. These challenges push me to explore new ideas, adapt, and continuously evolve in my practice. Embracing these difficulties keeps my work dynamic and helps me to develop both personally and artistically.
text & photo courtesy of Seung-Jun Lee
- Website: https://seung-jun.com
- Instagram: @lifeisajuke
