Writing People, Not Just Letters: The Art of Lee Jin-kyung

Artist Lee Jin-kyung transforms everyday life and regional narratives into art through her distinctive calligraphy. Her work, characterized by a warm and approachable style, has graced public spaces, most notably the Ssamziegil complex in Seoul, where her lettering formed the basis of the now widely used 'Lee Jin-kyung font.' The artist, who resides in Hongcheon, Gangwon Province, embodies the gentle spirit of her creations.

Lee's artistic journey began after a fire destroyed her first studio in Pocheon. Facing the ashes, she questioned what remained, finding her answer in the remnants of her former workspace. She fashioned art from the charred clothes and melted debris, fitting her initial studio into two trunks. With only 400,000 won, she moved to Hongcheon, rebuilt her home with borrowed money, and sought opportunities, eventually finding a connection with Ssamziegil.

Her studio, a traditional Korean house with a pine tree roof, is filled with her characteristic handwriting and drawings. Lee started working with handwriting in her 20s, recalling a memory of writing 'Bada Sushi Restaurant' in blue to capture her time in Mukho Port. She finds beauty in the simple, functional lettering seen in rural markets – signs detailing prices for apples or offering ground garlic. She likens this unadorned authenticity to a grandmother's meal, finding profound meaning in the seemingly ordinary.

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Ultimately, the work is not done alone. From physical tools like brushes and paper to the goodwill and labor of family, friends, and strangers, it's about writing with their stories and histories.

Lee travels extensively, documenting the local environment, folklore, myths, and the names of forgotten people in her calligraphy. Her writing, though calm, carries a deep emotional resonance, evoking a sense of solemn reverence akin to reading a memorial text. Even when addressing painful historical events, her approach is not tragic but rather a light, transparent form of solace.

"Ultimately, the work is not done alone," Lee reflects. "From physical tools like brushes and paper to the goodwill and labor of family, friends, and strangers, it's about writing with their stories and histories." She believes art is a public good, accessible to all. Her belief in the interconnectedness of people is evident in her art, which she describes as writing not letters, but people. An exhibition held in a rural NH Bank warehouse under moonlight, featuring her work 'Live Righteously,' left a lasting impression, with attendees sharing personal reflections and memories.

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Art should be a public good.