South Korean artist Changwon Lee creates from optical principles: light, shadow and reflection. The
basis of his works consists of horizontal slats against a white panel, which he uses to create a
sculptural dimension. He uses paint and photography, but also atypical materials such as tea leaves
and coffee powder. These not only lend themselves as a strong and innovative medium for an
installation, but also possess symbolic meaning. For the artist, they reinforce a universal connection
and these nutrients possess the essence of time and energy.
These particular portraits are constructed using painted thin horizontal slats. The lighting creates an
optical effect and the horizontal paint reflects on the white surface. Only the illusion of the image
present here constitutes the true work of art.