About the Object

In IW-2201, Il Lee carves away at the overlying black paint to reveal the white underneath. Offering a counterpoint to his ballpoint pieces, Lee inverts not only the color scheme but also the material process by removing rather than adding to the canvas. In keeping with the same technique, Lee carves into the paint using empty pens, blurring the line between painting and drawing. This creates a luminous effect as the stark contrast makes the swirling white lines appear to glow, especially when framed by the mixed paints on their edges.

Additional Information

Although best known for his drawings in ballpoint pen, Lee began experimenting with his signature style in acrylic and oil paints later in his career. Lee studied painting at Hongik University, where he received his BFA before attending Pratt Institute.