Jiyung Lee's artistic journey is a captivating exploration of everyday objects, where she transforms the mundane into the extraordinary. Her work is a testament to the power of perspective and the beauty of simplicity. With a unique approach to illustration, Lee challenges the boundaries of art, design, and illustration, creating a visual language that is both accessible and profound.
A Word-Driven Creative Process
Lee's creative process begins with a single word, which she then expands into a myriad of possibilities. This word becomes the foundation for her subject, and from there, a grid is created, almost like a catalogue layout. This structured approach is a key element in her work, providing a framework that allows her to explore and express her ideas visually.
A Diverse Educational Background
Lee's educational background is diverse and influential. Growing up in South Korea, she studied fine art, and later moved to France to study Communication Design. This international exposure and the freedom to explore various disciplines have shaped her unique artistic style. The small, intimate nature of the French school allowed her to experiment with printmaking, drawing, installation, editorial, and graphic design, ultimately helping her translate ideas into a visual language effectively.
Everyday Objects, Extraordinary Art
Lee's inspiration stems from the structure and organisation of everyday situations. She is drawn to the way everyday objects are arranged and presented, finding beauty in the chaotic yet ordered patterns of market stalls and supermarket flyers. This fascination with the visual logic of everyday life is evident in her work, where she transforms simple objects into captivating artworks.
The Catalogue Layout and Beyond
The catalogue layout is a recurring theme in Lee's work, providing a structured framework for her illustrations. She uses rulers, circle templates, and ellipse guides to create a sense of order while allowing for creativity and unexpected gestures. Her drawings are stripped back to their essentials, becoming abstract pictograms that retain their legibility. This balance between abstraction and recognition is a hallmark of her artistic process.
Collaboration and Risograph Printing
Lee's collaboration with print studios, such as Quintal Studio in Paris and RFI Gallery in Hamburg, has resulted in unique and captivating prints. The bread series, for example, features croissants, baguettes, and other baked goods arranged in a silhouette-like fashion, creating a taxonomy of carbohydrates. The insect Riso print, on the other hand, is a wild and vivid exploration of beetles, moths, butterflies, and centipedes, blending the realms of field guide and fever dream.
The Human Presence Behind the Object
A key aspect of Lee's work is her belief that nothing is purely visual. She emphasises the human presence behind every object, whether it's the designer, maker, user, or arranger. Even the most ordinary items carry traces of intention and everyday life, and it is this human element that adds depth and meaning to her illustrations.
In conclusion, Jiyung Lee's art is a testament to the power of creativity and the beauty of everyday life. Her unique approach to illustration, combined with her diverse educational background and fascination with structure, results in captivating and thought-provoking artworks. Lee's ability to transform the mundane into the extraordinary is a reminder that art can be found in the most unexpected places.
