Lee Bae Seizes Fragments of Time in ‘Between’

Lee Bae Seizes Fragments of Time in 'Between'

As a seasoned gamer with a keen eye for art, I must say that the immersive exhibition of Lee Bae at Perrotin New York left me utterly spellbound! Being a connoisseur of both digital and physical realms, it’s rare to encounter an artist who masterfully blends the ancient with the contemporary.


At Perrotin New York, they’re unveiling “Between“, an engaging exploration into the realm of Lee Bae, a renowned South Korean artist recognized for his innovative minimalist approach. Lately, Bae’s work has graced large-scale venues such as Rockefeller Center and the Venice Biennale. In this exhibition, at Perrotin, he presents a unique site-specific installation consisting of paper treated with charcoal ink and bronze sculptures. These works delve into the intersection of cultural heritage and the current era, employing powerful forms to encapsulate fleeting moments in time.

For nearly five decades, Bae has perfected his art centered around the color black, primarily working with charcoal. To him, charcoal symbolizes the cycle of life, rebirth, and history. He’s progressed from raw charcoal sculptures to exploring charcoal ink and bronze in recent times. His “Brushstroke” paintings—impressive black strokes on paper—are influenced by ancient Korean customs. The sweeping brushstrokes, executed in a single continuous motion, echo the dynamism of calligraphy, combining mind, body, and medium.

In “Between”, Bae artistically reinvented conventional calligraphy, converting it into an immaterial form that provokes viewers to reassess their perceptions. This transformation turns the elusive nature of time into a tangible visual experience. Each stroke serves as a preserved instant from the past.

Between is on view through October 19.

Perrotin New York
130 Orchard Street
New York, NY, 10002

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2024-09-20 19:55