As these elements converge, they give rise to distinct lines and shapes on the pictorial plane. These elements serve to redefine the spatial composition of the paintings, selectively obscuring or revealing certain parts of the canvas, much like the inked lines or temporary screens seen at construction sites. Superimposed on these images are multiple layers of a range of formal elements, including horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines. In his new body of work, Lee incorporates photographs of everyday buildings and landscapes, taken by the artist himself.

In this endeavor, he incorporates the concept of “scaffolding,” which refers to a temporary structure used in construction, in order to reconstruct the external landscape as abstract images on canvas. In this exhibition, Lee pushes the boundaries of his artistic exploration beyond his earlier works, which primarily focused on architectural elements. As one of the six selected artists, Lee presents 14 photo-collage paintings that explore the unrefined, temporary quality of architectural materials and surfaces.

The Kumho Museum of Art has been organizing the Kumho Young Artist program since 2004, providing support for emerging artists to hold solo exhibitions through an open-call selection process. Heejoon Lee, one of the artists selected for the 2023 Kumho Young Artist program, is the subject of the solo exhibition Scaffolding, on view from May 5 through June 11, 2023, at the Kumho Museum of Art, Seoul.

Félix vallotton prints