Artist in conversation: Seongeun Lee
Seongeun Lee is a textile artist based in Korea and London, currently pursuing an MA in Textiles at the Royal College of Art. Her textile works explore the theme of 'Existence.' Humans continuously ponder the question, 'What kind of being am I?'
Drawing from existentialist philosopher Heidegger, who posits that the goal is to reveal what it means for humans to exist, Seongeun delves into fundamental questions about 'how' humans exist, which leads to an exploration of the meaning of 'existence.’ In her current series, she seeks answers to questions about human existence by focusing on the structural aspect of 'arrangement.'
Her works contemplate the fundamental questions about existence inherent in humans, expressing these concepts visually through the medium of textiles.
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
I have been majoring in textiles since 2015, and am currently completing Ph.D. in Korea and studying in Textiles at Royal College of Art. While studying textile techniques and the history of textile art, I naturally became a textile artist, and developed a unique style through various exhibition experiences.
Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset when starting a new project?
Before starting a new project, I focus on theoretical research on the topic of my work. I think that in order to visually express my artistic philosophy to the viewer, I need to do sufficient research on it.
In your creative process, do you find that your textile pieces evolve organically, or do you start with a specific vision or concept in mind?
My textile pieces evolve organically. The great advantage of textiles is that they are ‘fluid’. Various types of threads are repeatedly woven to form a single surface, which gradually becomes a solid surface. Therefore, my textile pieces develop organically until they become a single textile piece.
Do you find that different mediums help you convey different emotions or messages?
In addition to the textile materials, various material such as plastic, metal, and wood give a different feeling from textile by contrasting texture. This enriches and expands my work. Therefore, materials other than textile are one of the positive way of expression that can further expand my artistic philosophy.
Can you tell us about a project or illustration that you found particularly challenging or rewarding?
My second solo exhibition ‘Connection (2022)’. From 2020 to 2022, I studied the instinct to regression to nature inherent in humans, reflecting the pandemic era, and based on this, I held a solo exhibition displaying works made entirely of natural fibers. I felt professional ethics and happiness as an artist by creating works that reminded people of love for nature,
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
The shapes and colours of my works are metaphorical rather than intuitive. Therefore, I am able to get a variety of feedback from critics and audiences. I believe that a work of art requires the coexistence of the artist and viewer. Therefore, I listen to their opinions, reflect their feedback in the next step, and solidify my artistic philosophy.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
When I feel limited in my ideas, I search about the works of textiles artists from the past. And I refer to many of those artists’ works and artistic philosophies. As a textile artist, the history of textile art provide me with various insights and motivation.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
I’m so happy to show my work at The Holy Art Gallery. I think the great merit of The Holy Art Gallery is that a variety of visitors can come. Also, for me, the exhibition in London is really meaningful and greatful.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
I want to visually express invisible concepts through three-dimensional soft sculpture. Through this, I want to make viewers feel the potential and tactility of three-dimensional expression of textile art. And is the future, I want to become an artist who has a positive influence on textile art through academic research.
What role does emotion play in your creative process, and how do you aim to evoke specific feelings or reactions from those who view your artworks?
In my work, emotions are something that is not determined. Rather than putting specific emotions into my work, I create my work starting from an objective issue or objective philosophy. I hope that visitors will feel free and ‘various’ emotions without being determined while looking at my work that was created in this way.