In between time - Joo-youn Lee

Joo-youn Lee. Entropical, 2008. Paper and ink sculpture, 130” x 100”. Courtesy Diaspora Vibe Gallery

Diaspora Vibe Gallery - Miami

December 1, 2008 - January 26, 2009

By Irina Leyva-Pérez

When we think about sculpture’s materials, most likely paper would be one of the last options, if not the last, on our list. However, recently some artists have defied that notion. Instead of the apparent fragility of paper, they have focused on the possibilities it offers. One of these artists, who has seen the potential of it, is Joo-youn Lee. Born in Korea and currently living in Miami, she studied at the College of Fine Art Chugye University and at the Graduate School of Sungshin Women’s University. Her major was printmaking, so her selection of paper as the main material to work with is almost a logical choice. Although she has exhibited previously in Asia and Europe, “In between time,” at Diaspora Vibe gallery, is her first show in the United States.

The works in this exhibition are an exquisite combination of printmaking and sculpture, defying the conventional ideas about both media. The pieces can be divided into two categories: wall pieces and floor pieces. Although most of the pieces exhibited are on the walls, her floor piece Push Paperman is an impressive display that invades most of the floor. Parodying super heroes from comics and movies, she has created her “paper man.” These “heroes,” central characters of the pop culture, are, in a way, all paper men with a given invincibility and an effective force to change society. On a Roll is perhaps the piece where she brings to life, and makes more evident, her Paper Man “Posing” in different positions, the Paper Man is moving around, between a walk and a stroll, ready to take action.

Entropical also shows her main character, in this instance throwing up a humongous amount of leaves, in a cascade that breaks the frame of the piece, coming out in a torrent. Simulating a “breaking free” situation, this man is letting out his frustrations in a wave of leaves.

In City, a wall piece and a massive pyramid, she is relying on the repetitive factor, creating an effective claustrophobic sensation. From every cranny of this invented “triangular city” a face appears, trying to get out, without success. The sensation of anguish and impotence is clear. She is reflecting the idea of a city, not only like a possible building, but also an allusion to the social structure, a pyramidal scale of values.

In this exhibition, Joo-youn is questioning the current social structure and how instead of unifying, it is actually alienating people. Her oeuvre is, without question, tied to the Asian tradition of working in paper, from crafts to the mainstream. She is taking this tradition to a new level, making it pliable to reflect contemporary themes.

Irina Leyva-Pérez: BA in Art History (University of Havana, Cuba). Former Assistant Curator at the National Gallery of Jamaica. Currently Curator of PanAmerican Art Projects. Resides in Miami, FL .