Lee Bae Seizes Fragments of Time in 'Between'

Perrotin New York presents Between, an immersive dive into the world of Lee Bae, a South Korean artist known for pushing the boundaries of minimalism. Bae’s work has recently been seen on a colossal scale at Rockefeller Center and in the Venice Biennale. This time, at Perrotin, he showcases a site-specific installation featuring paper painted with charcoal ink and bronze sculptures. The pieces explore the intersection of cultural history and the present moment, with bold shapes capturing fragments of time.

For over four decades, Bae has honed his craft around the color black, primarily using charcoal. To him, charcoal represents the cycle of life, renewal, and history. He’s evolved from raw charcoal sculptures to experimenting with charcoal ink and bronze in recent years. His "Brushstroke" paintings—grand black gestures on paper—are inspired by ancient Korean traditions. The sweeping brushstrokes, drawn in one continuous motion, mirror the energy of calligraphy, blending mind, body, and material.

In Between, Bae reimagines traditional calligraphy, transforming it into something intangible, challenging viewers to rethink what they see, making the fleeting nature of time visually concrete. Every stroke is a snapshot of a moment passed.

Between is on view through October 19.

Perrotin New York
130 Orchard Street
New York, NY, 10002

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