Projects
Books
About
Youtube
©2023
Keongbok Lee
In his artistic journey, Keongbok “Bok” Lee explores the interplay between medium and concept, infusing each project with personal expression. Through manipulation of mediums, he transcends creation, expressing his voice and essence. Each piece reflects his evolution, delving into themes of Korean American and Asian American experiences to challenge stereotypes and amplify marginalized voices.
In the multimedia installation "Channels," Bok explores feelings of disconnection and identity loss through self-portraiture. Positioned behind yellow plexiglass, they symbolize the experience of being Asian in America, where racial appearance often leads to judgment. Additionally, they experiment with tonal values and color interactions, dividing images into highlights, midtones, and shadows using triptych red, green, and blue plexiglasses. In another work, "Time Zone," Bok delves into the concept's implications, reflecting broader themes of globalization, industrialization, and Westernization. Through digital manipulation, they offer an alternative perspective on global time zones.
The photographs of Korean Festival in Union Square, October 2023, highlights the specificity of Korean American culture in New York. Project/installation Feeling Machine explores the concept of the familiar/unfamiliar spaces between people of spoken/unspoken understanding/misunderstandings this space of interaction. Furthermore, it dives into deeper philosophical and social structures of commodification of humans and loss or diconnection of one’s identity. Creating and Presenting Feeling Machine involved an array media such as woodworking, roller printing, writing, video and audio.
The immigrant experience profoundly shapes one's sense of identity and belonging, a theme resonating throughout his collective body of work. These investigations and excavations from his personal history are in search for a better understanding of himself, others, and society. Bok shares his personal stories embedded wthin the crafts made by him as an artist, as a person. He wishes to send messages for people to feel, think and reflect. His artistic journey serves as a platform for advocating for decolonization and challenging dominant historical narratives. Through experimental approaches and a departure from traditional presentation methods, he aims to push the boundaries of artistic expression and embrace interdisciplinary approaches.
CV
2024
Tale Train, August 26 - September 12, Photography Gallery @Pratt
Treasure Hunt, September 16 - September 22, DeKalb Gallery @Pratt
Presence, October 7 - October 25,
Photography Gallery @Pratt
2023
Williamsburg Art History Center Winter 2023
Metal & Plastic group show
Pratt BFA Photography