Photographer Lee Yong-ha captures the essence of nature and the birth of color through his lens. Using panoramic techniques, he blends emotion and philosophy into his art. With upcoming exhibitions like the one at Thailand’s Queen’s Gallery, he aims to continue spreading the natural beauty of Korea to the world.
Read more about this article : https://www.gukjenews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=3100008
Through the Lens, I Pray for the Birth of Radiant Color
Reporter: Park Jong-jin
Published: September 28, 2024, 22:02
Updated: September 29, 2024, 10:55
Exhibition Overview
Photographer Lee Yong-ha is holding a solo exhibition at The Queen’s Gallery in Thailand from October 3 to November 19, 2024, by invitation of the World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB).
A total of 58 works will be exhibited: 24 small-scale works (11–22M) and 34 large-scale pieces (60×120–108cm).
Lotus – Through the angles, brilliant colors will be born and new colors will be contained. Season, gather your energy to capture natural and beautiful images in time, place and environment.
White Heron
Q. What first drew you to photography?
-
He fell in love with photography during middle school and got his first Minolta camera with help from his parents.
-
He recalls shooting photos from morning until night, fully immersed in the art.
Q. What is your mindset when taking photos?
-
Lee explains that he “prays for the birth of radiant color through the lens,” striving to capture the beauty and natural flow of seasons, time, and environment with focus and calm.
Q. What is the philosophical meaning behind your photography?
-
Initially, he worked mostly with single-shot pieces.
-
About 10 years ago, he expanded his style by incorporating panorama techniques, stitching together 4 to 120 frames into one expansive composition.
Q. What are your favorite places and times to photograph?
-
He seeks out places with inspiration but especially favors the Namhan River in Yangsu-ri, during the 10 minutes just before sunrise, capturing the backlit glow.
Q. Which works are the most memorable to you?
-
-
-
Although it’s hard to choose, he mentioned:
-
Egrets flying in formation over Gamgokji, Siheung (2014)
-
Vivid lotus leaves and misty sunrises over the Namhan River
-
Cranes observed from a hut during a harsh winter in Cheorwon
-
-
-
Q. What was your most meaningful exhibition?
-
His solo exhibition at Jogyesa Temple in May 2022, titled “Scented Connection, Pure Transmission”, where he portrayed not only blooming lotus flowers but also wilted ones in winter, seeking to reflect beauty in pain and impermanence.
Q. What are your future plans?
-
He hopes to hold more exhibitions that showcase Korean nature and culture around the world.
-
He aims to popularize the multi-frame panoramic photography technique (4 to 120 images stitched together).
-
In particular, he expressed hope that the upcoming exhibition in Thailand will be a great success and stated, “I want to continue creating without rest.”
Q. What has your exhibition history been like?
- Since his first solo show at Namoo Gallery in 2002, Lee has held numerous invitational and solo exhibitions at venues like Insa-dong, Tongdosa Temple, and Birojana Gallery.
- Other notable exhibitions include:
- 2014: Hyobyeong Hospital in Gyeonggi-do
- 2017–2018: DMZ Ecological Photo Exhibition
- 2018: Photo exhibition supporting the PyeongChang Winter Olympics
- 2019: Sejong Center for the Performing Arts and an international exhibition in Cambodia
-
-
