Hong Kong-based artist Lee Kit is presenting a solo exhibition titled ‘Gathering the Days to Come’ at Space Leeum in Seoul until October 30th. Known for his distinctive approach to art, Lee Kit merges various media, including video, light, sound, text, and painting, to create immersive installation works. His practice often evokes a sense of quietude and stillness, which he then imbues with layers of emotion, history, and critical reflection on art itself.
An Artist of Subtle Intensity
Lee Kit, born in Hong Kong and based in Taipei, gained significant recognition after representing Hong Kong at the 2013 Venice Biennale. His artistic output is characterized by a unique poignancy. At first glance, his exhibitions and artworks might appear sparse, tranquil, or even indifferent. However, Lee Kit masterfully fills these seemingly empty spaces with profound emotional resonance, historical context, and thoughtful commentary on painting and artistic practice.
The current exhibition, ‘Gathering the Days to Come’, continues this exploration, weaving together multiple narratives. The artist notes that the genesis of his work often stems from a simple observation of color in a quiet moment, which can then lead to a profound sense of stillness or even a feeling of being stuck. He reflects on the peculiar nature of contemplating a peaceful life, suggesting that sometimes the only solace found is in solitary, quiet moments of movement, like dancing at home, not with grand gestures but with a deep-seated sadness.
“Don’t try to correct what I said about sorrow,” the artist’s note advises, hinting at the deeply personal and emotional undercurrents within his work.
Site-Specific Installations and Materiality
Spending extended periods at the exhibition venue, Lee Kit meticulously observes his surroundings. Space Leeum, with its architectural style closer to a corporate lobby than a traditional white cube gallery, provides a unique context for his work. He has carefully considered the space’s structure, the play of light, the passage of time, and the movement of people within it to shape his installations.
His practice integrates elements of the everyday environment, drawing in the ordinary flow of visitors and the urban landscape visible outside. A significant focus in his recent works is the use of industrial spray paint on canvas, alongside non-traditional artistic materials such as glass, carpet, and metal sheets. These materials are employed within his painting and video installations, blurring the lines between image and reality in a way that can be described as dreamlike and deeply evocative.
The artist recalls a past exhibition where the ambient light and the visual elements were so intertwined that it was difficult to distinguish between natural light and projected video work, illustrating his skill in creating ambiguous and immersive environments.
Featured Works and Their Context
Among the works displayed are pieces like:
- ‘1’, 2026, spray paint and pastel on aluminum, 150x115x3cm.
- ‘Porn’, 2026, spray paint and pastel on stainless steel, 130x105x3cm.
- ‘1’, 2026, spray paint and pastel on aluminum, 150x115x3cm.
These works, characterized by soft pastel hues like pale pink and sky blue, might appear gentle, but they carry a significant undercurrent of political tension. Lee Kit has a history of engaging with the political landscape of his native Hong Kong. He has previously used his paintings as banners during pro-democracy protests, directly linking his art to civic action.
However, his political commentary is often expressed not through overt slogans but through a nuanced evocation of feelings such as suffocation, powerlessness, isolation, resignation, and discomfort. This subtle approach is a hallmark of his work, where everyday objects are imbued with political significance.
Through his art, Lee Kit lays bare the intersection of personal experience, societal and political realities, and the inevitable tensions and absurdities that arise. The exhibition ‘Gathering the Days to Come’ invites viewers to perceive the world around them differently, offering an experience that is profoundly impactful, perhaps more so than overtly didactic exhibitions.
An Experiential Approach to Art
Lee Kit has previously described his installations not merely as ‘installations’ in the traditional art sense, but as ‘settings’ or ‘situations.’ This framing emphasizes his intention to immerse the audience directly into a specific state or atmosphere, rather than simply presenting them with something to observe. His work consistently explores the intricate ways in which the structures of life and society interact.
For Lee Kit, the political and the personal are inextricably linked. This connection fuels his focus on the emotional residue that political circumstances leave within individuals. He posits that social and political emotions often become more potent and distinct in their unspoken or silent manifestations. By engaging with these deeply felt, often quiet, emotional responses, Lee Kit’s exhibition offers a powerful reflection on our contemporary condition.
The exhibition also features works like ‘A Hot and Sunny Day’ (2025), a looped projection of punched carpet with variable dimensions and a video duration of 1 minute and 31 seconds, and ‘Window Piece’ (2026), acrylic on window, variable dimensions. These pieces further exemplify his method of creating environments that resonate with viewers on a visceral level.
