‘Tula is engraved on my mind, and I often use it as an escape from mundane life.’
Artist: 이하진 / Lee Ha Jin
Artistic style: Bright colourful paintings with lots of character
Biggest artistic influence: Paul Gaugin, Pablo Picasso, David Hockney, Frida Carlo, Chagall and Matisse.
Studio: Seoul, South Korea
Lee Ha Jin lived in Mexico for two years during her teenage years, and during that time lived in the nature closely. When I asked her about this period of her life, she smiled as she describes the strong memories of playing in the sand under the heat of the strong sun, surrounded by exotic culture. You can tell by the way she talks (and shines) just how strong these memories are for her. During her time in Tula, Lee started to express her emotions and explore her imagination through drawing and craft – including learning the language.
“I think I can say I naturally happened to become an artist.”
Lee majored in sculpture at Gacheon university and after graduating pursued a career as a painter. In her career to date she has had five solo exhibition. Her first solo exhibition was in Seoul and J/M Gallery in London, both in 2022. She has also recently finished her 11th group exhibition in Seoul & Jeonju (South Korea), and Paris (France).
Her studio is located in Seoul, South Korea, and Lee lovingly describes it as having a huge window which allows her to “enjoy natural sunshine and observe the change of weather. One of my happiest times in the studio is listening to the sound of rain drops.”
What is your dream project?
I would like to make the figures in my drawing into three-dimensions, throughout the sculpture.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as an artist?
John, my personal tutor while I was in the university, once told me that ‘It doesn’t matter what people say about your works, it is not influential. What matters is, however, keeping doing what you want to express. That is simple, but very important.’
When you start new pieces, what does your creative process look like? Do you plan each piece out before you start, or do you let the piece come to life as you go?
I express my ideas in drawing and research how to develop them. Since every work has a different process and way, some works are finished with several changes during the process even if I had a perfect plan beforehand, or the other works are finished in a short time with a sudden inspiration. I always have a blueprint, but also I am open to change the plan naturally.
How do you overcome creative blocks?
If I became exhausted because of the hard labour during the creating process, I go to a park with a huge nature or go on a trip to faraway and get some rest.
Do you have a favourite piece of art that you’ve created?
‘Cactus’ is the most favourite one among my recent works. I drew the idea for this work for a year, and it took another one year to complete it. It was the longest project that I’ve ever had, and unlike my past works, there is a hidden human inside the cactus which is quite intriguing! You can meet that cactus in this July.
Note to reader: I did meet Cactus, and I loved it. If you’ve visited it as part of Korean Art London – did you spot the hidden human?
Do you have any tips for other artists who are just starting out?
I’m not sure what to say.. well, the positive energy that comes from the positive thoughts will help you a lot. And I’m always supporting you guys, sincerely.
Note to reader: I’ve met Lee Ha Jin in person, and a minute with her is enough to know that she’s one of the nicest people I’ve ever met – so I feel comfortable in confirming that she would definitely champion other people.
What’s been the most challenging thing you’ve created?
I’ve never faced a huge challenge yet. I’m trying to spend my daily life well, get inspired, challenge it, express it and then show it as an artwork to the audience. Basically that’s my life.
What’s the best reaction someone has had to your artwork?
‘Wedding Ceremony’, which is a scene that I saw in Mexico. I exhibited this in my first solo exhibition, and the most loved one after the opening not only the gallery but also the audiences. It was the very first piece that found a new owner (sold), and many people told me that they want to see that piece again. These reactions became very impressive experience to me.
What’s been the most surprising thing about being an artist?
Before I became an artist, I always doubted myself becoming the artist since it looked really difficult. But surprisingly, now I’m thinking I wore the right clothes, I’m destined to be an artist. I’m still surprising time to time when I realise this while I’m on the process.
What do you hope people take away from your artwork?
Please feel the creative ideas and thoughts, liberation and freedom from my works.
Note
Lee talks with great passion about her work, and I loved hearing the stories behind her paintings, and how much the time she spent in Mexico meant/means to her. Such thought goes into all of her pieces, which are as lovely as they are colourful. If you’re visiting Korean Art London Fair you can find her works, which are full of fun stories, in the North Gallery.
I can’t wait to see what is next for her!
You can follow her career on Instagram at @hjlee.art and on YouTube @HJLEE – as she regularly shares her portfolio and updates.
A special thank you to Kim Yeunjin of Korean Art London for her considerable efforts in translating.