Kyu Sang Lee was born in Seoul in 1993, educated in Cape Town, and currently works in Leipzig. His diverse geographical experiences have cultivated a deep interest in the integration of cultures and history, as living in such varied locations has enriched his understanding of the intertwining of different cultural and historical contexts. Lee’s constructed photographs explore the themes of disharmony and cultural collision, seeking transcendence through universal elements such as time.
The artist’s utilization of chroma-key green delves into the intersection of technology and aesthetics. This color, commonly employed in the photographic and film industry, epitomizes the burgeoning chasm between human elements and advancing technology. Yet it serves as a bridge, linking technological progress with expanded human expression and experience.
The utilization of chroma key green in Lee’s photographic images symbolizes his encounter with diverse cultures, histories, and geographies. Lee’s formative experience of relocating and integrating into different environments closely resonates with the contrasting states within the artist’s photographic images, where black and white images coexist with vivid hues.
The specific use of chroma key green stems from its distinctive ability to stand out, allowing for seamless replacement with other digital images. This unique characteristic, while allowing it to stand out, also enables the integration of any other colors or images, demonstrating its versatile adaptability. This vibrant color, despite its conspicuousness, conveys the harmonizing power of embracing all hues, representing the artist’s ongoing quest for a place of belonging amidst constant transition.
Solo Exhibitions
2023 Table of Contents, Bistro 21, Leipzig, Germany.
2017 Kyu Sang Lee, Cape Town School of Photography, Cape Town, South Africa.
Group exhibitions and projects:
2023 FNB Art Joburg, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Ketterer Kunst Masterclass Preis für Junge Kunst, Munich, Germany.
2022 Neighbours / Des Voisin.e.s, L’air Arts, Paris, France.
Documenta fifteen, Kassel, Germany. [in collaboration with Gudskul]
2021 Between Strangers, Nuweland, Buren, Netherlands.
2020 11:11, Eclectica Contemporary, Cape Town, South Africa.
Peep Show, Cape Town, South Africa [Online exhibition]
Art Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Tones, Eclectica Contemporary, Cape Town, South Africa.
2019 Satellite, Suburbia Contemporary, Cape Town, South Africa.
Still Here Tomorrow to High Five You Yesterday: Chapter II, Zeitz MOCAA, Cape Town, South Africa.
ICTAF Investec Cape Town Art Fair [Solo Project], Cape Town, South Africa.
2018 Also Known as Africa, Le Carreau du Temple, Paris, France.
Throwing Shapes, Smith Studio, Cape Town, South Africa.
nano 1.2, Barnard Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa.
Stop Stop Click, Eclectica Contemporary, Cape Town, South Africa.
Investec Cape Town Art Fair, Cape Town, South Africa.
2017 Salad, Smith Studio, Cape Town, South Africa.
SS17, Gallery MOMO, Cape Town, South Africa.
Celeste Prize Exhibition, OXO Tower Wharf, London, UK.
Turbine Art Fair, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Be Kind, Please Rewind, Gallery MOMO, Cape Town, South Africa.
Marked, Eclectica Print Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa.
Paradise Regained, Eclectica Contemporary, Cape Town, South
Africa.
2016 Michaelis Graduate Exhibition, Michaelis School of Fine Art, Cape Town, South Africa.
Meditative Moments, Mullers Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa.
By Way of Hand, Cape Town School of Photography, Cape Town, South Africa.
Focus, Jan Royce Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa.
Education
2016 Michaelis School of Fine Art, University of Cape Town, [BFA]
2019 – 2021 Military service at the headquarters of the Army (ROKA), KR.
2018 – present Academy of Fine Arts Leipzig, Hochschule für Grafik und Buchkunst, Leipzig, Germany. [Meisterstudium]
Lecture
2017 Cape Town School of Photography, Cape Town, South Africa.
Residency
2023 L’ Air Arts, Cité Falguière, Paris. France
2017 Cape Town School of Photography residency program, Cape Town
Collection/ loan Zeitz MOCAA
Awards and nominations
2023 Ketterer Kunst Masterclass Preis für Junge Kunst, Munich, Germany.
2020 Minister of Defence Award in Moving Image Competition, Ministry of Defence, South Korea.
2017 Celeste Prize Winner in Photography, London, UK.
2016 Simon Gerson Prize, Michaelis School of Fine Art, University of Cape Town.
2014 Cecil Skotnes Award for Most Promising Artist, Michaelis School of Fine Art, University of Cape Town.
AVAILABLE WORKS
All prices exclude delivery costs and VAT
The Absurd Dance no. 1
2023
Giclée print on Hahnemühle photo rag
Edition of 8 + 2 APs
cm 200 x 160
The Absurd Dance no. 2
2023
Giclée print on Hahnemühle photo rag
Edition of 8 + 2 APs
cm 200 x 160
The Absurd Dance no. 3 (untitled)
2023
Giclée print on Hahnemühle photo rag
Edition of 7 + 2 APs
cm 200 x 160