Jongkie Lee has developed a distinct visual environment in which different cultural spheres harmoniously coexist, grounded in his deep affection for both Eastern and Western cultures and their respective influence in his upbringing and life. By composing scenes of distinct elements, Lee articulates a cosmopolitan perspective.

His works feature images emblematic of East Asian art, such as Korean traditional ceramics including baekja (white porcelain) and cheongja (celadon), as well as references to the paintings of Kim Whanki. These elements go beyond the simple reproduction of Eastern aesthetic values; rather, they seek to evoke a state prior to the formation of artistic “value” itself—the pure sensory condition and attitude present when a potter first shapes clay, or when Kim Whanki once faced a blank white canvas. For Lee, these motifs function as cultural roots and as a sensorial origin of creation. Layered upon this foundation are icons of Western popular culture such as The Simpsons and Superman, reflecting the artist’s long-held personal affinities and tastes. His private interests and hobbies of collecting figurines and appreciating Western pop music through vinyl records naturally permeate the canvas. These characters, once figures of longing and fascination with Western culture, move freely across his canvases, overlapping with Eastern visual contexts. In this way, Jongkie Lee’s paintings transcend cultural boundaries through a microcosm in which imagination overlays sensation.

Jongkie Lee initially earned his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from Dankook University and later began his artistic career after earning his MFA in Painting at Hongik University. He has held over 40 solo exhibitions, including at Print Bakery Gallery (2022) and ROY GALLERY (2023). His work has been widely presented at major platforms such as Seoul Auction Gangnam Center (2020, 2022, 2023), Lotte Gallery (2024), KIAF (2021, 2022), Hwarang Art Fair (2023), Art Miami Aqua, CONTEXT Art Miami (2024), and Seattle Art Fair (2024). Beyond Korea, Lee actively exhibits internationally across the United States, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.