Yuji Lee

Artist Statement
My work envisions landscapes of sanctuary. The Where Wishes Rest series embodies emotions of recollection, hope, and purification. I perceive earnest wishes (yeomwon) as latent energies—an elemental force that draws moments of healing closer. Through the language of painting, I explore this energy and depict the journey of a heart that rises again.

I coined the term Karmadise, combining Karma (the law of cause and effect) and Paradise (an ideal or peaceful state). Karmadise represents a path toward a harmonious inner state through positive karma and intentional healing. It is a spiritual refuge, guided by compassion (karuna), sympathetic joy (mudita), and equanimity (upekkha), reflecting the Buddhist pursuit of liberation from suffering. This process invites inner reflection, the restoration of emotional energy, and the deepening of the meaning behind one’s wishes.

Within my work, the yearning heart rests in a sanctuary of longing, drifts through waves of purification, and emerges toward light. The repetitive rhythms of flowing lines represent the subtle vibrations of hope arising from inner chaos. I call this space a Ritual Sanctuary—a sacred site that transcends expression and offers emotional liberation and vi...

2016 M.F.A. in Painting, Kookmin University Graduate School of Fine Arts, Seoul

2014 B.F.A. in Western Painting, Suwon University, School of Fine Arts, Suwon

Solo Exhibitions

2025 — Where Wishes Rest and Rise, Artboda Gallery, Seoul

2025 — Karmadise, Seoun Gallery at Jeondeungsa Temple (Invited), Ganghwa

2024 — Wishing Party, The Squares Gallery (Invited), Seoul

2024 — Dreamer's Paradise, Eunpyeong Foundation (Selected), Seoul

2017 — Landscape of the Abyss, SAIART Document (Selected), Seoul

Group Exhibitions (Selected)

2025 — Sumunjan Art Fair 2, Suwon Cultural Foundation, Suwon (Upcoming)

2025 — (TBA) Inner Exploration Life, GG2 Gallery, Seoul (Upcoming)

2025 — BANK Art Fair, SETEC, Seoul (Upcoming)

2025 — Yeongwon Art Fair, AR Gallery / Yeongdoshi Gallery, Seoul

2025 — 0 Won Art Fair, AR Gallery / 0°C Gallery, Seoul

2025 — How to Let Go, C-Muse Project, Space Atelier, Seoul

2024 — Tiny Museum, Duo Exhibition with Lee Mi-yeon, Suwon Starfield

2024 — Chuncheon Art Island, Nami Island Peace Gallery, Chuncheon

2024 — Youth, Whitestone Gallery, Seoul

2024 — Art Record Cheongju, Culture Factory, Cheongju

2023 — Two-Person Exhibition, with Lee Jungmin, GS Siseon, Seoul

2022 — Daydream, with Kim Kitae & Jang Soyun, Informel Seongsu, Seoul

2021 — Gwanin Cultural Village, Pocheon, Cultural Ministry, Korea

2020 — A1 Emerging Artists, Geumboseong Art Center, Seoul

2017 — ...