Chaeeun Lee

I submerge myself in the metaphysical dimensions intrinsic to nature, aiming to uncover the deep connection between the visible and invisible. The emphasis lies in a deeply introspective and physical experience, where I harmonize mind and body to capture the essence of the mysteries of existence, embracing the beauty found in spontaneity. This harmony is essential to wield the brush not just as a tool, but as an extension of my body, facilitating a direct and unimpeded flow of thought and sensation into the artwork.

As lines act as the primary agents to manifest my intentions, each line is a unique entity, laid down in a singular moment of creation, rather than a mere repetition of marks. Extending until the brush is devoid of pigment, I capture a philosophical reflection on the cyclical nature of beginnings and endings merging as one. My attention to the nuanced rhythms found in nature or the body movement—mirrored in the expansive vortexes—accentuates the deliberate and thoughtful intent behind each brushstroke. This reflection is navigating through the spectrum between spontaneity with precision. I blend free sweeping strokes that suggest movement and freedom, with sharp lines that inject tension. This balance not only directs the viewer's eye through suggestive energy and motion within seemingly static scenes, but also fosters a deeper engagement with the artwork, as the juxtaposition of bold and delicate marks invites an immersive and reflective experience.

Applying diluted pigment on absorbent and translucent fabric, I create tonal variation by soaking or sweeping the medium into the surface. I exploit the luminosity and liquidity of the water medium to investigate color relationships with different levels of viscosity, directly affecting the expression of the brushstroke. Using the wide-ranging properties of Phthalo Green as the dominant color, I utilize soft or intense gradations of hue, prompting a reflection on how the natural and the psychological worlds converge and diverge. This shapes our perceptions, experiences, and understanding of life itself. By highlighting the uniqueness of each gesture, I capture a moment of synergy between layer, medium, movement, and intent. 

The distinctiveness of these artworks lies in the interaction of gesture, light, and color, integrated with the white space of canvas, creating pieces that are both strikingly kinetic yet calmly elegant. I consistently explore the possibilities of these elements, considering how they contribute to the overall narrative of the artwork and what they reveal about the interaction with the materials. In doing so, I invite viewers to partake in a collective experience, prompting deep reflection and capturing moments that redefine the interpretation and experience of gesture, line, and spatial forms. 

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Chaeeun Lee is a contemporary Korean artist based in New York. She delves into the metaphysical dimension, focusing on fundamental of interconnectedness of all things and the underlying unity of existence. She conveys this concept through her painting, distilling it into its most essential form of gesture and purest expression through line elements. 

She received her MFA from Alfred University (2024) and BFA from School of Visual Arts (2022). Her works has been featured in group exhibitions across the globe, including the Fosdick Nelson Gallery, Alfred, NY; Alte Fabrik Oberbilk, Düsseldorf, Germany; and School of Visual Art Gallery, Chelsea, NY.