Visual Artist | Painting with Light

Hyun-Kyung Lee began working with mother-of-pearl while studying crafts, captivated by its luminous beauty. Seeking a deeper understanding of the material, she pursued graduate studies in lacquer art before spending many years teaching at universities.

An unexpected opportunity to design mother-of-pearl products eventually grew into a business. After years away from her own artistic pursuits, a chance encounter inspired her to return to creating her own work.

Just as mother-of-pearl is formed slowly over time, layer by layer, her art has likewise evolved through the passage of time and lived experience.

Today, Lee creates landscapes filled with plum blossoms, using the translucence and light of mother-of-pearl to evoke moments of time and waiting. Her practice continues to evolve as she explores how light and the viewer's gaze transform and ultimately complete each piece.

Hyun-Kyung Lee

CONTACT

Instagram @hyunkyung0305
greezak@naver.com

About

  • 2026

    • Variations of Light, Space Artlit, Seoul, Korea — Invited Solo Exhibition

    • Waiting — For Your Spring, Gallery DIO Cheongdam, Seoul, Korea

    2025

    • Invited Solo Exhibition, Art for All Center, Sharjah, UAE

    • M.F.A. in Crafts, specializing in Lacquer Art, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, Korea.

    • B.F.A. in Crafts, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, Korea.

  • 2025

    • Mother-of-Pearl Art Workshop, Art for All Center – Falaj, Sharjah, UAE

    2012

    • Invitational Exhibition, Korean Cultural Center New York, New York, USA

    • World Cultural Heritage Exhibition, Paris, France

    • Invitational Exhibition, Gallery Goong, New Delhi, India

    2009-2011

    • Invited Artist, Maison & Objet, Paris, France

  • 2021

    • Idea Award, 9th Seoul Symbol Tourist Souvenir Competition, Mayor of Seoul Award

    2018

    • Grand Prize, Seoul Regional Competition, Korea Craft Competition, Mayor of Seoul Award

    2017

    • Grand Prize, Mokpo National Marine Cultural Product Competition

  • 2026

    • Cultural Product Collaboration with Kansong Art Museum

    • Celadon Inlay Mother-of-Pearl Diffuser, designated as an Excellent Cultural Product (K-RIBBON), Korea

    2025

    • Production of Official Commemorative Gifts for APEC 2025 Korea

    2017-2019

    • Design and Production of Official Presidential Gifts for Overseas State Visits (Mother-of-Pearl Tumblers and Hand Mirrors)

    2014–2016

    • Design and Production of Sulwhasoo Limited Edition ShineClassic Compact, Amorepacific

  • 2019–2022

    • Visiting Professor, Department of Crafts, Sookmyung Women’s Univ.

    2016–2018

    • Adjunct Professor, Department of Crafts, Sookmyung Women’s Univ.

    2013–2015

    • Lecturer, Department of Crafts, Sookmyung Women’s Univ.

    2011–2012

    • Lecturer, Department of Lacquer Art, Pai Chai Univ.

Collections

  • H.H. Sheikha Jameela Bint Mohammad Al-Qasimi, Sharjah, UAE

  • Private Collections, USA