2021-11-18
Emma Fitzgerald
Design Dispatch, New York
Artist Joyce Lee's work navigates the intersection of the sacred and profane, incorporating elements of mythology and folklore to explore themes of beauty and transgression. Through her use of unconventional materials like tentacles and pearls, Lee challenges societal norms and pushes the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in contemporary art.
Tentacles, pearls, and holy taboos: Inside Joyce Lee's archive of the ethereal and obscene. Informed by her upbringing in South Korea, Joyce Lee’s otherworldly paintings explore eroticism, religion and social stigmas.. In Joyce Lee’s universe, beauty and the bizarre are deeply intertwined. Tentacles and pearls; hot wax and butterflies; a skeleton dressed in ribbons and nuns with tattoos.
Joyce Lee's artistic practice is marked by an unapologetic juxtaposition of the sacred and the profane. Her paintings often feature dreamlike scenarios that blur the lines between spirituality and sensuality, inviting viewers to ponder the complexities of human experience. Through her work, Lee challenges societal norms and stigmas surrounding topics such as sex, death, and faith.
Lee's fascination with Korean culture and mythology is evident in her use of imagery and symbolism. From k-pop idols to mythological beings, her paintings often incorporate elements of popular culture and folklore, recontextualizing them within a realm that is both eerie and enchanting. By doing so, Lee creates a unique visual language that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Joyce Lee's work navigates the boundaries between art and taboo with remarkable ease, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that draws viewers into her world. Her paintings are not just visually striking; they also offer a profound commentary on the human condition, inviting us to confront our deepest fears and desires. As we immerse ourselves in her ethereal universe, we cannot help but wonder: what secrets lie hidden beneath the surface?