HYE RIM LEE
The Rose and The Queen
FRONT ROOM EXHIBITION
EXHIBITION OPEN 7TH - 21ST FEBRUARY 2025
Hye Rim Lee is a Korean-born New Zealand artist whose work explores identity, hope and spirituality in the digital age. Black Rose and White Rose are two related digital animations, both around 5 minutes long, that explore processes of grief, healing and transformation through the character of TOKI – a recurring figure in Lee’s work.
A series of 11 digital prints The Rose and The Queen will be exhibited at Artbay Queenstown for two weeks from 7 to 21 February 2025.
The digital prints are taken from animations Black Rose and White Rose that are showing simultaneously at Te Papa in Wellington, with the same soundtrack, and presented as largescale projections. In the videos, TOKI travels through a complex environment that both reflects and distorts her desires – represented by diamonds and roses. The dream world that TOKI inhabits subverts and resists notions of femininity as they are expressed in the real and digital worlds.
Lee is an important Asian New Zealand artist with a strong international presence. Black Rose and White Rose are important new additions to Te Papa’s collection. Lee’s Te Papa exhibition Eternity – Black Rose and White Rose runs in parallel from December 2024 – April 2025.
Lee say’s of her animation series, Black Rose and White Rose “They speak to the symbology of two opposing states to find beauty that are found and remain in brokenness. It fearlessly depicts a diamond dreamscape for an ever-ending journey in shifting identity and spirituality”.
The exhibition is curated by Deborah McCormick (DMC) “I’m delighted to be collaborating with Artbay Queenstown for visitors and locals to experience this stunning exhibition and have the opportunity to purchase her limited-edition digital prints.”
“This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience Lee’s groundbreaking techniques, where sophisticated 3D animation meets the timeless medium of photography. We’re proud to collaborate with Deborah McCormick to bring this thought-provoking collection to both the local community and collectors.” says Artbay Gallery Group Director, Pauline Bianchi.
Lee’s developed over 23 years a globally recognised art practice to produce digital print series made from her 3D animations, that use sophisticated computer programmes to drive the viewer’s thoughts, resulting in truly seductive images”, says Deborah.
Glass Queen, 2021, Edition 2/10, 2 A.Ps
70 x 70cm
C print, black glossy frame (automative paint)
Glass Rose, 2024, Edition 1/5, 2 A.Ps
114 x 114cm
Inkjet print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag, black matte wooden frame, non glare glass cover
57 x 57cm
Inkjet print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag & Black Glossy Frame (automative paint), non glare perspex cover (museum grade)
C print, white matte wooden frame
57 x 57cm C print, custom made frame, automotive paint
C print, custom made frame, automotive paint
Inkjet print, custom made frame, automotive paint
