Lee Me Kyeoung’s Exquisite Paintings Are an Ode to South Korea’s Quaint Corner Shops — Colossal



Art

#acrylic #Lee Me Kyeoung #painting #South Korea #shops

City dwellers know that convenience stores have a culture to themselves, and though franchises continue to dominate and outperform businesses, small independently operated shops have an undeniable appeal. In recent years, artist Lee Me Kyoung (previously) added to his ongoing series of paintings celebrating the idiosyncrasies and charms of small South Korean corner shops, which are increasingly in danger of closure.

On display throughout the month of July at Imazoo Gallery in Gangnam, Me Kyeoung’s latest works are an ode to these disappearing places. Shrouded in lush cherry blossoms or persimmon trees, the shops are well stocked with dense shelves, crates of goods, and advertisements pasted on the windows. Bikes, benches, and the occasional folding chair are located outside the entrances. Delicately rendered in pen and acrylic, the paintings depict architectural and organizational variations that make each location unique, while honoring the cultural ubiquities of these spaces.

Me Kyeoung has a robust archive of the quaint shops, which you can find at Instagram.

#acrylic #Lee Me Kyeoung #painting #South Korea #shops

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