LEE MYOUNGHO KOREA, b. 1975

Lee Myungho was born in 1975 and is one of South Korea’s leading artists. He studied photography at Chung-Ang University and its graduate school. His work is recognized for its unique approach, combining a profound exploration of image reproduction and reenactment with a deep reverence for nature. In particular, his ongoing "Photography-Act Project", which began in 2004, is a representative series that embodies his artistic philosophy.

 

His most well-known series, "Tree", features trees positioned in front of a large white canvas, isolating them from their natural surroundings. This creates an illusion as if the tree were painted onto the canvas. Through this technique, the tree is transformed from a part of vast nature into an artistic subject, flattened into a two-dimensional image. The white canvas plays a crucial role beyond simple landscape photography—it becomes a medium that explores the possibilities of artistic representation. This concept aligns with early debates on photography’s legitimacy as an art form, demonstrating how his work transcends mere documentation and expands into the realm of artistic contemplation.

 

Following the "Tree" series, his "Mirage" series further explores visual illusion by placing a white canvas in the middle of the desert and photographing it from a distance. This creates the impression that the barren desert has been transformed into a sea, a fundamental source of life. This method mirrors theatrical reenactments of illusions on stage, highlighting how Lee’s work goes beyond recording nature to investigate the artistic possibilities of reenactment.

 

Actively working both in Korea and internationally, Lee Myungho has built a strong reputation, receiving various awards such as the Photo Criticism Award (2006) and Artist of Tomorrow Award (2009). His works are housed in prestigious institutions, including the Bibliothèque nationale de France, Getty Museum, Huis Marseille Museum of Photography (Amsterdam), National Gallery of Victoria, National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (Korea), and Seoul Museum of Art. He has also held solo exhibitions at renowned venues like Yossi Milo Gallery (New York), Sungkok Art Museum (Seoul), Gallery Hyundai (Seoul), and Savina Museum (Seoul), further establishing his international recognition.

 

Beyond exhibitions, Lee has participated in various social and cultural projects, such as the "Player Project" for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, the "Awakening the Senses" public campaign for the Korean Teachers' Credit Union, and a collaboration with Château La Hock (France). His commitment to public engagement is also reflected in his roles as an ambassador for Leica and the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, where he promotes the cultural and artistic value of photography.

 

Lee Myungho’s work continually pushes the boundaries between nature and art, reproduction and reenactment, exploring the limitless possibilities of photography as a medium. His creations go beyond mere visual beauty, embodying profound artistic and philosophical inquiries. As a result, he is regarded as one of the most significant contemporary artists shaping the landscape of modern photography.