Meet Jenny Lee | Video Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jenny Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jenny, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I don’t necessarily see myself as someone who “started a business” in the traditional sense. I’m an artist, and my journey has been about creating and exploring, not about building a business model. My work stems from deeply personal themes, like my relationship with my mother, and expands into broader explorations of human connection, memory, space, and time. I think my thought process has always been rooted in curiosity—trying to understand how the everyday, the mundane, and the deeply emotional interact and create meaning. It’s about expressing what I feel and discovering new ways to connect with others through art, whether through video, performance, or installations.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art explores the boundaries of time, space, memory, and human connection, often through deeply personal experiences, especially my relationship with my mother. I work with video, video installations, performance, and photography, experimenting with various media like projectors and site-specific installations. What sets my work apart is the way I blend everyday moments with larger philosophical inquiries, such as the meaning of communication, the power of memory, and the layered nuances of human interaction. I strive to create pieces that invite the audience into a reflective space where the mundane feels profound, and the personal becomes universal.
Getting to where I am today has been anything but easy. It required persistence, vulnerability, and an openness to embrace uncertainty. Challenges like balancing personal themes with universal appeal or navigating self-doubt have been constant companions. However, I’ve learned to see these struggles as part of the process. They’ve taught me resilience and the importance of staying true to my vision, even when it feels risky.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that art is about connection—both with myself and with others. Whether it’s through an installation that resonates with the rhythm of everyday life or a performance exploring telepathic connections, my goal is to create work that bridges the personal and the collective.
What I want the world to know about my art and story is that it’s grounded in authenticity and curiosity. My journey is less about seeking perfection and more about engaging with the unknown, the invisible, and the deeply human. My work reflects my ongoing dialogue with life, relationships, and the echoes of memory, and I hope it encourages others to explore their own inner worlds with honesty and openness.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d want to create a balance between exploring art, culture, and just relaxing together. We’d probably start with a visit to a couple of my favorite galleries or museums—maybe the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) in Seoul or the Art Institute of Chicago if we’re in the U.S. It’s always inspiring to walk through those spaces and share thoughts on the works we see.
For food, I’d take them to some local spots that feel meaningful to me. In Seoul, we’d have to visit a cozy hanok café for traditional tea and some quiet moments. Then maybe head to a small, bustling market for street food like tteokbokki or hotteok—it’s fun, casual, and always delicious. If we’re in Chicago, we’d grab some deep-dish pizza but also visit a low-key neighborhood diner where the vibe is relaxed and authentic.
I’d also include some nature in the itinerary—a walk along the Han River in Seoul or a day at Lake Michigan in Chicago. Just being outdoors, chatting, and enjoying the scenery feels like the perfect way to catch up. In the evenings, we’d find a casual wine bar or somewhere cozy to unwind, maybe with live music.
For something a bit different, I might take them to see a performance or an experimental art space—it’s always fun to discover new ideas together. Ultimately, I’d want to create a trip that’s not just about ticking off tourist spots but sharing moments that feel meaningful, creative, and a little adventurous.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Yes, absolutely. I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my incredible professors from my MFA years at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago: Tirtza Even, Bruce Jenkins, Nelly Agassi, and Claudia Hart. Each of them played a significant role in shaping my artistic worldview and practice.
Tirtza Even was instrumental in helping me delve deeply into video installation. She guided me not only to study it further but also to fully immerse myself in this medium, which became a turning point in my journey. Bruce Jenkins laid a strong foundation by sharing his vast knowledge of art video history and references, providing invaluable advice every step of the way.
Nelly Agassi was a key figure in helping me develop the series of works inspired by my relationship with my mother, bringing richness and depth to this deeply personal theme. Lastly, Claudia Hart was my first professor, who introduced me to the fundamentals of site-specific video installation, opening a whole new world of creative possibilities for me. Their mentorship and encouragement have been invaluable, and I’m deeply grateful for their impact on my work and growth.

Website: https://www.jennyhjlee.com

Instagram: eeejennyyy

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JL-rw8nm

Other: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/vxvv2i9atdjr2wmgh8psu/Portfolio_Jenny.pdf?rlkey=42428774c7azbi6i7b8nbh6ky&st=73j3b5sr&dl=0

https://vimeo.com/jenny0819

Image Credits
Jenny Lee