4me4you recently visited Stolen Space Gallery, where the striking works of artist Lee Gihun were on display in his solo exhibition Masquerade.
Lee Gihun creates art that invites viewers to look past the surface of his vivid, imaginative works and explore deeper layers of meaning. His pieces encourage reflection on the delicate balance of life in today's world.
In Masquerade, Gihun’s childlike, masked characters occupy a muted and desolate world—one marked by clouded skies, jagged mountains, and the remnants of human civilisation. Rendered only in red, these characters stand out as the last living beings in a world teetering on the edge of extinction. Their presence evokes both a sense of loss and an urgent call for hope, as they prepare for an uncertain future in a world that seems to be on the brink of collapse.
At the heart of Lee Gihun’s work is a critique of the Western dualistic worldview that separates spirit from matter, fostering a sense of detachment from nature. This disconnection, he argues, has led humanity to see itself as separate from the natural world, a self-centered perspective that threatens the ecological balance of life.
Drawing parallels to the biblical story of Noah, Gihun presents his masked figures as both a symbol of resilience and a beacon of hope. As humanity faces existential threats like climate change, the masked characters in his paintings serve as a reminder that survival requires both introspection and collective action.
Lee Gihun’s unique artistic approach further deepens the meaning of his work. Combining acrylic and oil stick, he first establishes flat shapes with acrylic paint, then uses oil stick to build texture and depth. His use of recycled materials—such as silk wallpaper remnants commonly found in Korean homes and discarded school supplies—adds another layer of significance. This eco-conscious approach not only reflects the artist’s personal values but also invites viewers to look beyond the surface of his fantastical imagery and reflect on the fragile nature of life in our contemporary world.
A former illustrator of children’s books, Lee Gihun has garnered recognition for his innovative approach to art, receiving prestigious awards such as the Children’s Jury Award at the Bratislava Illustration Biennale and the Illustrator of the Year Award at the Bologna Book Fair. His work has recently been featured at the Gothenburg Book Fair and the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, gaining a significant following on social media. Now, from his studio in Korea, Gihun continues to explore the boundary between fantasy and reality, addressing ongoing concerns about anxiety, empathy, and our collective future.
Artist: Lee Gihun
