#United States #New York #Vilcek Foundation #Il Lee #Immigrant Artist

Il Lee—Energy and Flow: Abstraction of Movements at the Vilcek Foundation

The Vilcek Foundation is excited to unveil its newest exhibition titled Il Lee—Energy and Flow: Abstraction of Movements, featuring the exceptional works of South Korean immigrant artist Il Lee. This exhibition showcases twenty-six of Lee's monumental pieces created using his unique ballpoint pen technique, a process that has captivated audiences around the globe for over 50 years.

As he combines precise detail with expansive forms, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in Lee's world, where emotions and impressions flow freely on canvas and paper. According to Rick Kinsel, president of the foundation, experiencing Lee's art in person is vital, as the scale and emotional resonance of his work cannot be fully appreciated through photographs or descriptions.

The Journey of Il Lee

Lee embarked on his artistic journey in South Korea, where he studied under prominent figures of the Dansaekhwa movement—a style characterized by monochromatic paintings. After immigrating to the United States to pursue an MFA at Pratt Institute, he began experimenting with ballpoint pens, a medium that he continues to use, innovating as he creates. His creations are distinct for their massive scale, often made up of hundreds of individual pens.

What is particularly striking about Lee's work is its reflection of traditional Asian ink painting styles while simultaneously invoking modern abstraction. His pieces resonate with images of nature and cerebral connections, leaving viewers in awe of the intricate balance each work embodies. By employing such a modest tool for grand artistic expressions, Lee redefines not merely the medium but the very nature of abstract art itself.

Curatorial Insight

The exhibition has been curated by Emily Schuchardt Navratil, in collaboration with guest curator Suzie Kim, PhD. Kim, an expert in modern and contemporary Korean art, has brought forth significant context to Lee's works, posing critical questions about who continues the legacy of abstract art within the vibrant art scene of New York City. The evolution of Lee's technique, influenced by artists like Jackson Pollock, invites discourse on the interplay between the artist's intention, the viewer's reaction, and the physical act of creation.

An Invitation to Engagement

As attendees approach Il Lee's monumental pieces, they find themselves part of a dynamic dialogue. Each artwork beckons visitors to engage not just visually but also emotionally, bridging their personal perceptions with Lee’s artistic expression. Schuchardt Navratil emphasizes that experiencing these intricate works up close transforms how we understand not only Lee’s process but the broader conversation of abstraction in art.

Underpinned by its mission to highlight immigrant contributions to American culture, the Vilcek Foundation has long supported Lee. By promoting his works in significant institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, it champions the diverse narratives immigrants bring to the arts.

Exhibition Details

Il Lee—Energy and Flow is available for viewing at the Vilcek Foundation's headquarters until September 2025. A select portion of the exhibition will remain open until May 2026. Visitors are encouraged to schedule appointments to experience these groundbreaking works in person by emailing the foundation.

Through exhibitions like this, the Vilcek Foundation continues to foster an appreciation for innovative artistry and remind us of the powerful role immigrants play in enriching the cultural landscape of the United States. To learn more about this exhibition and others, please visit vilcek.org.