The Busan Museum of Art is celebrating the 10th anniversary of Space Lee Ufan with a series of special cultural programs that include intimate tea gatherings and a commemorative concert designed to translate the renowned artist's work into musical expression. The milestone celebration honors a decade since the dedicated art space opened its doors to the public.
Space Lee Ufan first opened on April 10, 2015, marking a historic moment as it became the first space in Korea to be named after the internationally acclaimed artist. This distinction places it among an exclusive group of only three spaces worldwide that bear Lee Ufan's name. The other two locations are the Lee Ufan Museum in Naoshima, Japan, which opened in 2010, and Lee Ufan Arles in Arles, France, which opened more recently in 2022.
The three-story building, which serves as an annex to the city museum, provides visitors with a comprehensive overview of Lee Ufan's artistic practice spanning from the 1960s to the present day. What makes this space particularly special is that Lee himself actively participated in both the architectural concept and design of the building, ensuring that the physical space reflects his artistic vision and philosophy.
The anniversary celebration features several engaging programs designed to connect visitors with the artist's work. A guestbook event, running until October 19, invites visitors to share their personal memories and experiences with the space. Additionally, an online quiz will be conducted on the museum's social media platforms from October 28 to November 9, with several participants selected through a drawing to receive special gifts.
Two major events will cap off the anniversary celebration. A special tea gathering will be held in November, though advance reservations will be required for this intimate experience. The commemorative concert, scheduled for December, promises to offer a unique interpretation of Lee Ufan's artistic vision through musical performance. The museum plans to announce detailed information about these upcoming programs through its official website.
Lee Ufan, born in 1936 in Haman, South Gyeongsang Province, has significant connections to Busan, having spent his middle school years in the city. The Korean-born artist gained international recognition for leading the avant-garde mono-ha movement in Japan during the late 1960s and 1970s. This groundbreaking movement focused on exploring the complex relationships between materials and human perceptions, challenging traditional approaches to art-making.
Beyond his work with mono-ha, Lee also played a crucial role in influencing Korea's dansaekhwa art movement. This significant Korean art movement emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, exploring themes of materiality, repetition, and spirituality through monochromatic abstraction. Lee's dialogue with and influence on this movement helped bridge international and Korean contemporary art practices.
The establishment of Space Lee Ufan came after years of negotiation between the artist and local officials. According to the museum, Lee initially declined several proposals from the Busan Metropolitan Government to build a museum dedicated to his work. However, he eventually accepted the offer and signed an agreement in 2013, generously donating 20 of his works to make the space possible.
"Space Lee Ufan is an architectural work uniquely designed by the artist himself and an important cultural asset of Busan," said Seo Jin-seok, director of the Busan Museum of Art, in an official statement. "We hope citizens will rediscover the space and his works through a variety of programs celebrating its 10th anniversary." The celebration represents not only a milestone for the museum but also an opportunity for the community to deepen their appreciation of Lee Ufan's contribution to contemporary art.
