Can one imagine a river as wide as the night sky? Can you dream of a ship carrying all the stars of a galaxy, with sails as pure as the resonances of light? A viewer who encounters the artwork of Sang Bok Lee for the first time may have to contend with descriptions as dense as these.

Sang Bok Lee's artistic endeavors represent a rare fusion of geometry with existential philosophy, creating a vivid interplay between the abstract mathematical universe and the metaphysical quest for self-understanding. Utilizing traditional Korean Hanji paper, her work transcends mere artistic expression, evolving into a canvas where the complex visuals of modular forms and elliptic curves are explored and manifested. Each piece is a philosophical inquiry, challenging the observer to navigate the intricate relationship between individual existence and the cosmos.

Lee's work resonates with the concept of modular forms in mathematics, where transformations reflect the cyclic yet evolving nature of self-identity within the universal context. This approach is visually represented in her canvases, which iterate through themes of symmetry and transformation, echoing the properties of modular functions that morph yet retain their inherent beauty. The complex transformation of these forms mirrors Lee's artistic narrative of continuous self-discovery and cosmic integration, presenting a rich tapestry of human experience mapped onto an abstract plane.

For the layman, however, her artwork serves as organic metaphors of the smooth and continuous relationships defining the interactions between self and the wider universe. From this perspective, her fluid curves are the locus of coherent solutions to boundless philosophical and existential queries. The visual convergence of circular and horizon elements evokes the elliptic nature of meeting at infinity—a portrayal of the infinite cycles of creation and unity.

Lee's paintings also delve into inter-universal geometry, an advanced mathematical framework suggesting interactions across multiple dimensions. Her painting Encounter with the stars transcends conventional visual forms to depict a universe where all life forms are intricately connected within a divine cosmic manifold—akin to fibers intertwined in an expansive mathematical fabric. This personal topology suggests a landscape where spiritual and material dimensions merge, reflecting the intertwined nature of multiple mathematical universes in a single existential reality.

Her artistic narrative extends into the realm of organic deconstructionist finite fields, where the finite experiences of life are portrayed against the backdrop of the infinite cosmos. Big dipper for example is emblematic of finite fields, which confine infinity to manageable, structured forms, mirroring how human experiences are bounded expressions of an infinite existence.

Through this melding of visual acumen and philosophical insights, Sang Bok Lee's art forms a dialogue between the known and the unknown, the visible and the invisible. Her works are not only visual spectacles but also invitations into a deeper contemplation of our place within the universal continuum, embodying a inter-universal cosmos where the search for truth and beauty converges in the harmony of self and universe.

Kate Oh Gallery, a posh art space known for showcasing innovative and boundary- pushing art, hosts Sang Bok Lee's New York exhibit, serving as the perfect backdrop for her transcendent works. Located in the heart of the city's vibrant art district, the gallery has a reputation for curating a diverse array of artworks that challenge traditional perceptions and invite deep, reflective engagement. By presenting Lee's exhibit, Kate Oh Gallery continues its mission to bridge cultural and conceptual divides, offering a platform where the fusion of Eastern philosophies and Western abstraction can be fully appreciated.

(Text by Karen Fok Y. Mah)