LA BIBI is delighted to present Miju Lee’s first solo exhibition with the gallery. The artist will showcase a new selection of new paintings and sculptures especially made for this occasion.
In Miju Lee’s work, life appears smooth, and dreams speak constantly. Lonesome characters pretend to enjoy the ordinary, and nothing seems to disturb while humans, nature and animals coexists in a idyllic world. Dreamy, colorful, smooth-skinned figures inhabit a landscape where the journey continually offers new spaces to explore and alternative ways to escape. In this latest presentation, the notion of dreams evolves significantly from earlier traditions, merging the boundaries between reality and imagination while capturing the complexities of modern life.
Over time, Lee’s main character has evolved, and has become significant to her creative process. The "Yeti" reflects themes of isolation and connection but also tends to represent the ongoing human quest for meaning amid uncertainty and the unknown. In a society that constantly stimulates and tests our abilities, sensitivity, and emotions, introversion is often misunderstood and seen as weaknesses, even though it is an asset. This mystical character takes on a more playful or introspective role, symbolizing loneliness, the search for belonging, and the tension between being part of the world and feeling like an outsider—a reflection on identity and existence.
In reference to Arthur Schopenhauer, the artist lets us peer into the world through her eyes and invites us to reflect on the challenges of being human. Her paintings guide us on a journey to explore the subconscious, personal narratives, and surreal realities. Inspired constantly by Michel Tournier, this new series invites viewers to see the world through Lee’s perception, although, it is not a diary of her state of mind but one directed outward to the world. This philosophical approach could propose a reflection about relationships in Eastern culture, where personal well-being is closely bound to the comfort of others. Tournier’s notion and Lee’s practice illuminate how our inner worlds interact with the external world, and as well as inviting audiences to explore the intricate spaces where imagination and reality intersect.
