The Hamburger Bahnhof unveils a groundbreaking retrospective, showcasing the transformative artistry of Lee Ufan, a pivotal figure in Japan’s Mono-ha school and Korea’s Dansaekhwa movement. Spanning six decades and boasting 60 works, the exhibition introduces Lee’s profound artistic evolution.
A standout feature is the unprecedented juxtaposition of Rembrandt’s “Self-Portrait with Velvet Beret” (1634) from the Berlin Gemäldegalerie alongside Lee’s expansive installation “Relatum – The Narrow Sky Road” (2020/2023). This fusion of East and West promises novel insights into cultural dialogue.
The retrospective begins with “Fourth Structure A” (1968), a pivotal piece from Lee’s early career, displayed at the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo. Lee’s artistry took a seismic shift after the 1968 student protests, culminating in performative actions reflecting societal upheavals.
Diverging from American minimalists like Judd and Flavin, Lee’s minimalism transcends materiality, focusing on spatial interaction between materials and viewers. In the museum garden, “Relatum – Memory of Place” (1977) returns after nearly four decades, accompanied by the newly adapted “Relatum – The Road of Ring” (2023), showcasing Lee’s mastery in evoking emotions through spatial manipulation.
Complementing the exhibition is a comprehensive publication edited by Silvana Editoriale Milano, featuring texts by renowned contributors and historical writings, providing deeper insights into Lee’s artistic philosophy and cultural influences. The retrospective is currently on view through April 28, 2024, head to The Hamburger Bahnhof’s website for more information.
Elsewhere in art, check out the Honeyrose Hotel nestled in the heart of Montreal that is filled with stunning artworks and elegant designs.
The Hamburger Bahnhof
Invalidenstraße 50-51
10557 Berlin
Germany
