HOPPY MARVELS

Organizer

Presented by J.Lohmann Gallery x USM Haller NY

Venue

USM NY Showroom

28 – 30 Greene Street

New York, NY 10013

J. Lohmann Gallery is pleased to present Ahryun Lee: Hoppy Marvels in collaboration with USM Modular Furniture on view at their New York showroom from Thursday, January 16 to Thursday, February 6. This new body of work is a masterful culmination of Lee’s established visual style that centers on a fantastical reimagining of animals to renew a sense of wonder for the natural world within its viewer.

Lee’s novel collection is a celebration of the whimsical, beckoning viewers into a vibrant, otherworldly realm where the playful spirits of animals spring to life through tactile and colorful ceramic forms. The title of the exhibition, Hoppy Marvels, is inspired by Lee’s expanded representation of animals through a combination of abstracted animal forms to inspire a deeper exploration of the viewer’s imagination and inquisitiveness. Lee hopes her viewers will “Hop into a world of color and joy, where every twist and turn of playful beings brings a burst of optimism and wonder. Let these vibrant sculptures remind you that art, like life, is a delightful dance of imagination and happiness.”

In her attempt to capture the essence of each animal, not only in form, but also in its unique character, she is able to craft individual personalities for each of her creations, all of whom are deeply expressive without the need of facial features. Their poses speak for them, and in some cases, allow them to engage with each other. Her work is manifest with her intention to uncover extraordinary beauty while stirring emotion and sparking curiosity. Lee realizes this duality through distinct visual vocabulary alongside her technically refined craftsmanship that reveals sculptures that are the pinnacle of playfulness yet elegance.

Her artistic style continuously evolves around themes of joy that are influenced by her nostalgia for childhood and the appreciation of the mundane. Her color palette and textures are inspired by dear memories and pleasures of childhood, from spectacular colors to bubbly surfaces, reminiscent of candy she used to enjoy as a child, resulting in captivating pieces that inspire a sense of play and exploration. Her distinct visual vocabulary invites interaction in a multi-sensory world of her own creation.

Through her original artistic expression, Lee aims to nurture an appreciation for the animal kingdom within the viewer, deepening our connection to the natural world through a fresh reinterpretation of it, reminding us of the beauty and diversity of life that surrounds us. With an outstretched hand, Lee invites you to step into this otherworldly realm, where each sculpture tells a story and every color ignites the imagination, awakening a cherished rediscovery of one’s own joyful connection to play.

Ahryun Lee

Ahryun Lee was born in Seoul, South Korea in 1989 and is residing and working in Bavaria, Germany. She is a graduate of both Fine Arts and Design in Ceramics at the Seoul National University in Korea (2011) and Royal College of Art in the UK (2016).

Ahryun Lee is a renowned contemporary ceramic artist notable for her distinct visual style of bold colors paired with striking textures in her abstracted, often playful, forms. Lee explores numerous creative possibilities by embracing a global perspective between East and West. Each work contains captivating dualities manifested through her use of traditional Korean ceramic making techniques combined with contemporary motifs as well as her masterful technical prowess. 

The artist has gained international attention for her unique sculptures, which are included in significant private collections. Her work is exhibited internationally at prominent shows such as Design Miami, The Salon Art + Design,  Salone del Mobile, Schloss Hollenegg for Design, Collect Art Fair, and many other exhibitions in the USA, Europe, Middle East, and South Korea. She collaborated with Céline London and recently worked with Dolce & Gabbana under DG’s Generation Designers project during Milan Design Week 2023.

J.Lohmann Gallery, New York City

Founded in 2006 by Joern J. Lohmann, J. Lohmann Gallery specializes in contemporary decorative arts and design by internationally established designers and emerging talents. The gallery plays an instrumental role in nourishing the relationship between design, decorative arts, and sculpture, and its success is due to its unique roster of ceramic and glass artists, all of whom are celebrated for their groundbreaking use of innovative techniques.

The gallery’s vital part to inspire their ambition and the demanding task of pioneering proficiency resulted in their international recognition and celebrated acclaim. The positive response of art specialists, all superior in their given fields, enlightened many major collectors.

Work Inquiry – www.jlohmanngallery.com