At first glance, Lee Kiyoung’s monochromatic flowers might seem rather ordinary.
But peer closer at the canvasses, and you’ll pulled in by the sheer uniqueness of his execution. Part of the draw here is stepping right up to the works until your nose is almost touching them, and trying to work out how exactly they’re made.
Unfortunately, the artist keeps his techniques a secret and so we can’t describe the process that has gone into his meticulously detailed works. What we can tell you, however, is that they’re all stunning. A delicious fusion of textures and strokes sit neatly together on a completely flat surface, which we are told is due to the skilful manipulation of hanji—a form of paper made from mulberry bark.
While ink painting is one of the oldest Asian art forms, Kiyoung has managed to reinvigorate it with a truly innovative contemporary style. His method of repeatedly drawing, erasing and then repainting works serves as a metaphor for nature, which unfolds with beauty before fading with age, but always remains resplendent due to its very existence and history.
Although most of the paintings are of flower blossoms, the most resonating works are actually the more abstract linear pieces; both titled “White Forest.” In the words of curator Jasmine Tan, “good art is not merely painting what you see, but knowing how to dip your brush into your soul and capture the essence on canvas.”
Bloom runs through Aug 16 at MAD Museum of Art and Design.
