#United States #New York #Korean Cultural Center #Lee Kang So

Exhibition Overview

The Korean Cultural Center New York (KCCNY) is set to open an intriguing exhibition titled "A Field of Becoming" featuring the works of celebrated artist Lee Kang So, beginning on May 13 and running through June 20, 2026. The opening reception will take place on May 12, 6-8 PM at KCCNY's Atrium Gallery.

Lee Kang So, born in 1943, is renowned for his innovative approach within the realm of contemporary art in Korea. Since the 1970s, he has employed a diverse array of media including photography, painting, printmaking, sculpture, installation, and performance art. His work delves into the ever-changing processes through which art is created, emphasizing the moment of emergence rather than viewing art merely as a completed object.

The Concept of Becoming

The theme of the exhibition, epitomized by the title "A Field of Becoming," reflects Lee’s core philosophy that art is not static but rather exists within a continuum of change and interaction. Throughout the exhibition, viewers will encounter Lee’s unique perspective that focuses on how meaning is shaped through various contexts and relationships. This philosophy manifests in Lee's earlier performances and installations, where he created dynamic situations that interrogated the ideas of authorship and artistic intention.

A Historical Context

As part of the exhibition, several key performances and installations from the 1970s will be showcased. During this period, Lee initiated projects that encouraged an interplay between action, material, and environment, resulting in art that is more process-oriented than outcome-driven. For instance, one noteworthy piece exemplifies this idea by allowing the audience to witness the unfolding of creativity, a stark departure from traditional artistic conventions.

In the years that followed, Lee further developed his ideas into more materially focused forms seen in his sculptures and paintings from the 1990s onwards. His sculptural works often utilize clay, ceramics, and metal to highlight how gravity and the properties of materials influence form. In his recent paintings, the emphasis has shifted towards bodily movement, presenting a canvas alive with energy. Lee's artworks invite observers to engage in a dialogue where animals and objects dissolve into mere suggestions of form through rhythm and gesture.

Connection to New York

Lee’s journey in New York adds another layer of significance to this exhibition. Having been active in the U.S. during the 1980s and participating in the Studio Artist Program at MoMA PS1 in the early 1990s, his experiences in the city were integral in shaping his artistic evolution. This exhibition at KCCNY marks a reconnection to a city that played a pivotal role in Lee’s creative development, allowing for both reflection and a contemporary encounter with his work.

About Lee Kang So

Lee Kang So's artistic trajectory began with his formal education at Seoul National University, where he earned his BFA. He emerged as a key figure in Korea's experimental art movement during the 1970s. Over the subsequent decades, his work has been exhibited not only in Korea but also internationally, featuring solo exhibitions at esteemed institutions like the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) and the Musée d'art moderne et contemporain de Saint-Étienne.

Lee’s impactful participation in major biennales and exhibitions, including those at the Tate Modern and Guggenheim Museum, has solidified his reputation within the global art community, with his works held in prominent collections worldwide.

The Role of KCCNY

The KCCNY, a cultural beacon established in 1979 as part of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea, aims to promote and showcase Korean culture in New York. The center is located at 122 E 32nd Street, strategically positioned near Manhattan's Koreatown. It serves as a cultural hub that offers a myriad of programs including exhibitions, performances, and educational workshops designed to deepen the understanding and appreciation of Korean heritage and contemporary culture.

This exhibition provides a compelling opportunity for the public to engage with Lee Kang So's transformative works and the broader dialogue they inspire within the context of Korean contemporary art. Whether one is an art aficionado or new to the concepts presented, the exhibition promises an enriching and thought-provoking experience.

For further details, visit www.koreanculture.org and follow KCCNY on social media.