Meet Chaehyung (Chris) Lee | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chaehyung (Chris) Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chaehyung (Chris), we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
Creating art gives me a boost of energy and allows me to express myself and bring my imagination to life. It provides a sense of purpose and comfort, making me feel like I’m accomplishing something meaningful.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am an artist based in South Korea and LA, and I firmly believe that my art should promote healing and laughter rather than addressing complex problems or difficult subjects. My goal as an artist, is to create artwork that vividly expresses my creativity and unique perspective, allowing my audience to experience a sense of visual novelty and joy. Ultimately, my aim is to elicit smiles and provide a brief respite from the rigors of daily life.

During a period of reflection on my identity and artistic direction, I realized that my essential self aligns with the style of Korean art. This genre is known for its distinctive and vibrant colors, and I wanted to express my personality with the same clarity and strong sense of subjectivity. Additionally, Korean art does not emphasize perspective but creates a sense of depth through other means. To showcase a new side of my work from various distances and angles, I incorporated these elements into my art.

To diversify my materials, I experimented with various techniques and materials for each painting. For example, I used a laser cutter on MDF, employed analog painting with paint, utilized 3D with clay, and employed silkscreen with ink. This approach allowed me to explore different textures, colors, and forms in my artwork, resulting in a unique and multifaceted portfolio.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite place may not be particularly special or grandiose, but it holds a special significance to me. It’s the school where I spend most of my time and where all the art I create is born. Over the years, I’ve met many people there and have formed meaningful connections. Even during difficult times, the sight of the sun setting on the school’s roof, reflecting off its glass surfaces, is a source of comfort and healing.

Additionally, there’s a Mexican restaurant nearby called “Lucky Boy” that provides nourishment not only for my body but also for my soul. Whenever I visit, I feel a sense of rejuvenation and renewal. I believe this is how others would describe my favorite place if they knew about it.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As an artist, I’m reflecting on my interests and future direction. Recently, I created a piece that holds great meaning to me. It features several tigers, which symbolize my girlfriend’s name, “Jeongin,” meaning “lucky tiger” in Korean. She’s my most reliable supporter, and drawing the tigers felt like a tribute to her. In the illustrations, I incorporated character traits that I don’t typically exhibit in real life, allowing me to express desires and aspirations through the artwork.

Website: https://www.chaehyunglee.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realllhyung_/

Image Credits
Chris Lee