Jeongwoong Lee(b.1982) who constructs a fantasy narrative with obscure multilayered symbols and conducts realistic painting works, graduated from the School of Arts at Sungkyunkwan University, with a B.F.A. Main exhibitions include Close Encounters (CHAMBER 1965, Seoul), Notwithstanding (Obscura, Seoul), Moscow/Seoul Common Idea (Museum of Moscow, Moscow, 2021), P hung a picture (D/P, Seoul, 2021), Shaack (Obscura Gallery, Seoul, 2021), Laputa, The Fall (Pontone Gallery, London, 2018), Laputa (Shineartists Gallery, London, 2015), Young Korean Painters (Shineartists Gallery, London, 2014), Dream Awakening (Gallery 16th, Seoul, 2012), Two-Windows vol.2 (Gallery Hyundai, Seoul, 2010), Window Gallery (Gallery Hyundai, Seoul, 2009), Reverie (Art Space Hue, Seoul, 2009), among others. Lee has also participated in numerous international art fairs, such as HK Art Fair in Hong Kong, Art Stage Singapore, London Art Fair, The Preview in Seoul, and Daegu Art.

On top of a clay pot sits a sticky octopus, artificial flowers, and a candlestick. Illuminated by the reflected light, they are adorned with the codes '404 Not Found' and '403 Forbidden'. These web browser codes are assigned when the server or resource does not exist or when the server denies access to the client. Between the real and the fake, the rigid and the flexible, the living and the dead, the hidden and the revealed. This work encapsulates the boundary errors of all these, an ironic narrative captured through the observer's gaze.

Obscura is a Seoul-based art gallery that first founded in 2015, then as SPACE IKKI, located in Seoungbuk-dong area. The name of the gallery derives from the Latin phrase camera obscura, meaning “dark room,” which refers to the first optical device used as a painting-aid, whereby an image is projected through a hole onto its opposite wall in a darkened room. 
​Obscura aims to make contemporary art accessible to a wide range of audience and provide various artistic and cultural contexts for interdisciplinary efforts, by emphasizing performative elements of curatorial practice and exhibition making. With keen eyes on sophisticated work by artists with solid and idiosyncratic practice, Obscura has been supporting and promoting contemporary artists in the fields of painting, installation, photography and new media.

Obscura

404 Not Found

Drawing inspiration from otherworldly narratives and multilayered symbols, 'Rendezvous_ True Survivors' reflects Lee's unconventional approach to realism. Offering a glimpse into his fantastical world, it stands as an intricate juxtaposition of still-life and fantasy. The artwork resurrects the traditional style of altarpieces—religious works specifically crafted for placement on the altar of churches—yet infuses it with a distinct contemporary twist.

As with most of Lee Jeongwoong's works, 'Rendezvous_ True Survivors' challenges conventional perceptions. It transcends mere aesthetics, delving into the realms of philosophy and metaphysics in this chaotic world. In essence, the artwork embodies Lee Jeongwoong's unique artistic philosophy, all the while echoing the artist's intrinsic ability to punctuate reality with myriad symbols and layers of concealed meaning. It champions its ethos of promoting young and emerging global talent.

The coalescence of still-life elements, stylized symbolism, and fantasy projections truly makes this piece a majestic addition to any global art portfolio.

Rendezvous_ True Survivors

"Landing," one of Lee Jungwoong's latest works, depicts an octopus adhered to a painter's box. In this exhibition, it proposes a different perspective with its abstract yet realistic composition. The artwork dramatically showcases a painterly expression, blending realism with a touch of theatricality.

Landing

Lee Jungwoong is undertaking several missions within his still life painting series. As a meticulous observer, he observes objects and recreates them realistically. On the other hand, he manipulates the collection, arrangement, and changes in light of the still life, leading to shifts in perspective between reality and the virtual. Lastly, by injecting the narrative of a virtual painter that begins with "I wanted to believe in UFOs," he disrupts the narrative. "Tripod and Asymmetry Others" is one of his works that embodies the formality of still life through stacked objects.

Tripod and Asymmetry Others

Lee Jungwoong is undertaking several missions within his still life painting series. He acts as a meticulous observer, observing objects and implementing them realistically. On the other hand, he manipulates the collection, arrangement, and changes in light of the still life, leading to shifts in perspective between reality and the virtual. Lastly, by injecting the narrative of a virtual painter that begins with "I wanted to believe in UFOs," he disrupts the narrative. The artwork "Burning Faces," created with alien sunglasses and fruit dragons, offers delightful visual enjoyment.

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