Meet Hyunju Lee

We recently connected with Hyunju Lee and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Hyunju, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I believe every artist has a desire to reflect their world through their work. I, too, have a strong desire to do so, whether my work takes the form of a fine art piece, text, or film. We observe the world and gather narratives from what we see—news, exhibitions, other artworks, or even small design objects can all serve as inspiration. These observations become both a motivation and a guiding purpose for creating.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

For my show at CalArts, I primarily worked with wood, ready-made objects, small objects, and lights to explore themes of “system and human,” focusing on global logistics and delivery drivers.

Having access to facilities, faculty support, studio space, and dedicated time allowed me to focus on creating large-scale installations.

I was particularly interested in creating a space that the viewer could enter—one that doesn’t feel like a traditional gallery. I aimed to subvert the usual idea of “seeing,” encouraging viewers to take extra steps to fully engage with the work, and to challenge the conventional notion of the “white cube” gallery space.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to explore new ideas and materials. Persistence has helped me keep going even when the process was difficult or outcomes were uncertain. Adaptability allowed me to embrace changes in my practice and find inspiration in unexpected places. And being open to exploring new ideas, whether through different mediums, locations, or concepts, has continually expanded my creative perspective.

For those early in their journey, my advice is simple: keep going, even when it’s challenging. Life rarely goes as planned, but there are always paths forward. By staying persistent, embracing change, and remaining curious, you’ll see yourself growing and evolving over time.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

Peers, community, studio space, consistency, and having a routine matter the most. It’s also invaluable to have a mentor you can turn to with questions whenever you need guidance.

Especially as an artist (though this applies to other fields as well), having a community is crucial. Spending most of your time in the studio can be lonely and frustrating, and as a recent graduate, you’ll inevitably face many “no’s” and setbacks. Having a supportive community—one where you both give and receive support—can be one of the greatest sources of motivation and encouragement.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hyunjulee.com
• Instagram: @hyunjuulee

Image Credits

Delay Relay, MFA Thesis Show, Mixed Media Installation, Dimensions Variable, California Institute of the Arts, 2023