Korean Cultural Center New York's opening ceremony will feature "Boundaries of Existence," an exhibition by artist Lee Jin-hee.
Recently, there was global excitement over a performance that utilized projection mapping technology to dress the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro in a blue hanbok. Professor Lee Jin-hee from Korea National University of Arts, the artist behind this work, will hold a solo exhibition titled "Boundaries of Existence" at the Korean Cultural Center New York from June 25 to August 17. Korean Cultural Center New York, under the direction of Kim Cheonsu, has invited four distinguished figures representing Korea to commemorate the opening of its new venue. Alongside the artist Lee Jin-hee mentioned earlier, the Center has selected renowned figures in Korean art: the master painter Kim Hwan-ki, sculptor John Bae who is active in the United States, and internationally acclaimed installation artist Kang Ik-joong. Professor Lee is notably the youngest among these four masters. John Pai's exhibition took place in March and April, while the invitation exhibition of the renowned painter Kim Hwan-ki is currently ongoing. Lee Jin-hee, as an interdisciplinary artist, explores the essence and fundamental aspects of humanity through the theme of "clothing," traversing various genres such as drama, film, theater, dance, and performance art. Lee Jin-hee, the artist, is a comprehensive artist who continuously explores the essence and fundamentals of human nature through the theme of "clothing," engaging across various genres such as drama, film, theater, dance, and performance art. Lee Jin-hee, who has been active for over 20 years, has been involved in more than 100 projects including dramas like 'Sungkyunkwan Scandal', 'Love in the Moonlight', 'The Lover', and films such as 'The Treacherous', 'The Great Battle', and 'An Empty Spring Dream'. She has been praised for not only enhancing the completeness of her works but also for embodying the unique elegance and worldview of hanbok (traditional Korean clothing). In this exhibition, Lee Jin-hee plans to present various works that reflect her exploration over the years on the essence of "clothing" to humans and extend the boundaries of its meaning. "Media art" imbued with Korea's vibrant colors, three-dimensional sculptures that connect hanbok fabric pieces hand-stitched to convey Korean originality, sculptures, paintings, media art, hanbok, and stage art works—totaling 43 pieces—will be exhibited. Going beyond mere fashion design, stage artistry, and visual artistry, Lee Jin-hee transcends these roles as a comprehensive artist who communicates diverse messages through "clothing." This invitation exhibition at the Korean Cultural Center New York, showcasing his past, present, and future, holds significant meaning not only for the artist personally but also within the context of Korean art history. Lee Jin-hee, the artist, expressed, "To me, 'clothing' is not just a simple decoration. The act of 'wearing clothes' completes an individual's world, and clothing is closely related to the space that constructs his world." He further remarked, "I feel an infinite sense of responsibility for being selected as an artist for this exhibition." Meanwhile, the Korean Cultural Center New York, established in 1979, has contributed to promoting Korean culture in American society. This year marks the opening of its first standalone building on 32nd Street in Manhattan, enhancing its efforts to showcase Korean culture in the Americas. 강동현 기자 kang_donghyun@koreadaily.comboundaries exhibition artist lee installation artist invitation exhibition
