Background and Early Life
Lee Bul was born in 1964 in Yeongju, South Korea. She graduated with a BFA in sculpture from Hongik University in Seoul in 1987. Growing up in a politically active family during South Korea’s military dictatorship, these experiences deeply influenced her artistic perspective. Starting with sculpture, Lee Bul expanded her practice to performance, installation, and media art, gaining international recognition from the 1990s onward. She is currently based in Seoul and is considered one of South Korea’s most prominent contemporary artists.
Lee Bul’s 2024 Commission at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
In 2024, celebrated South Korean artist Lee Bul achieved another milestone in her remarkable career when she was commissioned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. She created an ambitious series of sculptures for the museum’s iconic Fifth Avenue façade, further cementing her reputation as one of the most influential figures in contemporary art.
Exploring the Themes in Lee Bul’s Work
Futuristic Visions and the Human Condition
Lee Bul is widely known for her thought-provoking works that merge futuristic visions with deep reflections on the human condition. Her art frequently explores the delicate balance between utopia and dystopia, examining how humanity navigates the tension between technology and nature.
“Long Tail Halo” – A Monumental Installation
Her 2024 installation, titled “Long Tail Halo,” perfectly embodies these themes. Combining organic forms with industrial materials, the monumental sculptures evoke both natural and technological worlds, inviting viewers to contemplate transformation and the evolving relationship between humans and the modern world.
Lee Bul’s Global Influence on Contemporary Art
This prestigious commission highlights Lee Bul’s innovative approach and underscores her growing influence on the global art stage. As one of South Korea’s most important contemporary artists, her work continues to push boundaries, inspiring audiences worldwide with its unique blend of science fiction aesthetics, philosophical depth, and emotional resonance.
Authentic Photographs of Lee Bul
I have had the pleasure of photographing Lee Bul twice. In 2018, I met her at her Seongbuk-dong studio for a story in an art magazine in Germany. In 2024, before Long Tail Halo was revealed, I photographed her at her Goyang studio for The New York Times.
Please take a look at my photographs and contact me directly for licensing.