"I want to create horror images that are "dismal yet lyrical", abbreviating any narrative, appending neither explanation nor ethical message. In this way, my imagery retains a volatile sharpness which can cut to the core. Scenes reminiscent of horror films are a recurrent element of my latest work." (Dongwook Lee)

In the new exhibition entitled "Cross Breeding" forteen sculptures of the Korean artist Dongwook Lee will be shown. It is the first solo show of the artist in Switzerland. In his sculptures the artist Dongwook Lee is scrutinising and dissecting the human form as well as the human being under a cold scientific gaze.

Dongwook Lee: Adidas boy, 2007

Mixed Media, 15 x 5 x 3 cm
Courtesy Gallery Avanthay Contemporary Zurich

Click on image to enlarge.

Either the sculptures are human miniatures (not bigger/taller than 15 cm) or the fake of human flesh in combination with objects like a Mercedes star, a sword or a scriptural cross. Other sculptures are dealing with medical curiosities. The human akin creatures are squeezed into a syringe or cocooned in a bell jar.

The effect on the viewer doesn't remain without consequences: Dongwook Lee's miniature human figures condense both hyper-reality and surrealistic illusion, creating odd but beautiful cacophonies. The viewer is caught between simultaneously gloomy and lyrical horror.

The Gallery Avanthay Contemporary is pleased to invite you to the Open Weekend 2008 in the Löwenbräu Areal Zurich.