[2025 Art SG] Lee Kwang Ho

Lee Kwang Ho is a representative figure in realism paintings. He takes daily subject matters and takes the reproduction of their forms into a unique language of his own. Although realism seems like quite a laborious task and sometimes compulsive as well, through the pictorial depiction of Lee Kwang Ho, we see the reconstructed reality fabricated by his intentions. Subjects that are expressed both vigorously and dramatically expose the desires of their subconscious, and also stimulates the tactility of those that behold them. In his wetland series, he experiments with techniques like scratching and tapping on the canvas. Upon closer inspection, the depicted subjects dissolve, leaving behind a layer of paint with precise brushstrokes and meticulous knife work, which emphasizes the exploration of the fundamental question of painting - the act of painting itself. Lee has held solo exhibitions in various venues, including Johyun Gallery, Busan, South Korea; Kukje Gallery, Seoul, South Korea; and Chang dong Studio Gallery, Seoul, South Korea; and has participated in group exhibitions at Seoul Museum of Art, Seoul, South Korea; Busan Museum of Art, Busan, South Korea; Gana Art Center, Seoul, South Korea; and Saatchi Gallery, London, United Kingdom. His works are included in prestigious collections such as the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul, South Korea; the Seoul Museum of Art, Seoul, South Korea; the Gyeonggi Museum of Art, Ansan, South Korea, and the Jeju Museum of Art, South Korea.