FRAGILITY
Namkyung Lee
South Korea

The plate engraved with photographic images serves as a mold that forms a single surface (or wall). On top of this, Jesmonite (an acrylic resin) is poured to cast the photographic image. The photographic image plate created in this way has a blurry intagliated or embossed quality. It also has an appropriate ambiguity. By repeating this process, the images are layered to create a three-dimensional shape. These surfaces are interlocked to express the effect of depth.
‘The space where images are left’ is a concept that allows me to visualize my work comprehensively or connotatively. The images in the work begin from the everyday gaze and ordinary surroundings. The act of containing these relieves and avoids heavy or overly profound representations of reality. I attempt to shape a space of subjective taste by uncovering and emphasizing the small aesthetic details found in reality, and infusing them into my work.
While the specific spaces remain unclear, ultimately, a clear, physical visuality is produced. Additionally, this metaphorically suggests that the images remaining in one’s mind are recalled, forgotten, and distorted repeatedly, in order to remain as beguiling as possible.

Brooch « The Remaining Scenes », 2025
65x75x30 mm / 75 gr
Jesmonite, mother of pearl, pearl, sterling silver, stainless steel. Jesmonite is poured onto photo-engraved plates to cast and form each surface.

Brooch « The Scenery », 2025
60x80x35 mm / 66 gr
Jesmonite, mother of pearl, pearl, sterling silver, stainless steel. Jesmonite is poured onto photo-engraved plates to cast and form each surface.

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