Lee Bul at Lehmann Maupin Gallery

The mirrored, cave-like entrance to Lee Bul’s latest solo show at Lehmann Maupin Gallery dazzles. Once inside, however, the ceiling height diminishes rapidly and visitors emerge into the main gallery at an uncomfortable crouch. Failed promises are a recurring theme in Lee Bul’s oeuvre; here she sends a strong message from the beginning of the exhibition. (Through Feb 11th).

Lee Bul, Souterrain, plywood on wooden frame, acrylic mirror, acrylic paint, LED lighting and electronic wiring, 107.87 x 141.73 x 188.98 inches, 2012/16
Lee Bul, Souterrain, plywood on wooden frame, acrylic mirror, acrylic paint, LED lighting and electronic wiring, 107.87 x 141.73 x 188.98 inches, 2012/16

Haegue Yang at Greene Naftali Gallery

Haegue Yang continues her ‘Trustworthy’ series – made from the patterned interiors of security envelopes – with this installation of abstract diagrams set against deeply soothing Yves Klein blue walls at Greene Naftali Gallery. Just as Klein offered a portal into the sublime, Yang points to the mystical with her eye-like shapes and totemic figure covered in bells. (In Chelsea through April 16th).

Haegue Yang, installation view of ‘Quasi-Pagan Minimal’ at Greene Naftali Gallery, March 2016.
Haegue Yang, installation view of ‘Quasi-Pagan Minimal’ at Greene Naftali Gallery, March 2016.

Yoon Ji Seon at Yossi Milo Gallery

Physical transformation is nothing new for Korean youth; one recent poll reported that 50% of young women in their 20s have had a cosmetic procedure. Seoul-based artist Yoon Ji Seon alters her features aggressively by stitching over photographic self-portraits printed on linen, but she does so with a wild creativity that rejects conventional beauty norms. (At Yossi Milo Gallery through Dec 5th).

 Yoon Ji Seon, Rag Face #15022, sewing on fabric and photograph, 24” x 16.5”, unique, 2015.