HYEMIN LEE
이혜민
b. 1968
Hyemin Lee (b. 1968) is a Korean contemporary artist acclaimed for her distinctive approach to art through traditional Korean textile pillows. She constructs wooden components from deteriorated frames, inexpensive paper, or plaster cloths and amalgamates them into a vibrant and cohesive artwork.
Prior to her creative endeavors, Lee dedicated her youth to playing the cello. She was raised with the intention of being a professional but experienced dissatisfaction with her playing talents until she saw art. Ultimately, she left her musical endeavors to pursue her love for painting. After pursuing a degree in Sculpture at Seoul National University in 1992, Lee’s in-laws' reluctance forced her to give up her artistic dreams at the time, but she was drawn to a quilt and some cotton that had been abandoned in the basement. She began fabricating sculptures resembling pillows after using excess fabric. From there, she continued her artistic journey to pursue her MA in New York University and started using everyday materials that symbolize neglected customs or recollections from her own past to craft her creations.
Today, Lee stitches together remnants of textiles, primarily leftover traditional Korean clothes, to create little cushions. She also aims to communicate feelings of empathy and solace to the audience by articulating the grief and struggles of individuals who toil tirelessly, sacrificing time in unseen environments.
Exhibitions
