Installation view of 《Moonlight Journey
2020-2024》 ©Savina
Museum of Contemporary ArtThe Savina Museum of Contemporary Art
presents 《Moonlight Journey 2020-2024》, a solo exhibition of Lee Jaesam. This exhibition unveils the
results of his practice of the last four years. At the same time, it features
the ultimate ‘Dalbit’ series, which is the essence of his artistic journey of
exploring the nightscape, captivated by the moonlight for about 20 years.
Centered on three significant keywords in
his work—charcoal, black, and moonlight—the exhibition highlights the
relationship between nature and humans, light and dark, visible world and
invisible world with multiple perspectives. Through this, the exhibition aims to
convey the philosophical and ecological messages about the cyclical order of
nature, where birth, death and extinction are continuously repeated.
Installation view of 《Moonlight Journey
2020-2024》 ©Savina
Museum of Contemporary ArtLee Jaesam (b. 1960) is regarded as a
pioneer who redefined the artistic value of charcoal drawing through painterly
experiments using charcoal, a material traditionally employed for sketches and
underdrawings. Since 1998 and continuing through 2025, the artist has
relentlessly experimented with materials and techniques to overcome the
limitations of charcoal, such as its lack of precision and durability.
By using muslin cloth that harmonizes with
charcoal made from trees harvested in the forest, Lee constructs his own
canvases. He secures the charcoal layers with rosin and animal glue and applies
UV coating to enhance durability, thereby expanding the material properties of
charcoal within the realm of painting.
