Artist Joseph Lee recently presents his first solo exhibition at the GR Gallery in New York with the Passive. Aggression show. The show is made up of 14 portrait paintings that capture Lee's signature aesthetic and abstract design language. Every single piece is made during the uncertain times of the global pandemic and truly showcases a duality of emotions that Lee had felt during the time.
During a released statement, it was stated that "Lee is both Korean and American, husband and son, actor and painter, passive and aggressive [...] Lee’s subject matters grapple with the way his liminality and thus, lack of a solid identity, began to impact the world he inhabited." The exhibition is on view at the GR Gallery from September 8th to October 1st.
Human Duality-Themed Abstract Art
Joseph Lee Presents the Passive. Aggression Show at GR Gallery
Trend Themes
1. Abstract Emotional Art - The trend for creating abstract art that captures a range of emotions, allowing viewers to experience complex feelings is growing, presenting opportunities for artists and galleries alike.
2. Exploring Duality and Identity - More artists are creating work that grapples with their multiple identities and the resulting liminality, presenting opportunities for galleries or brands to showcase the diversity of identities and challenge assumptions.
3. Artistic Expressions During Uncertainty - The trend for artists to express their emotions through their work during times of uncertainty presents opportunities to showcase the potential emotional impact of art on viewers and buyers.
Industry Implications
1. Art Exhibitions - Art galleries can capitalize on the growing trend for abstract art that captures complex emotions and explore the duality and identity of artists to create exhibitions that resonate with viewers, showcasing their artists' zeitgeist.
2. Art Sales - Art dealers and sales professionals can take advantage of the trend for artists to express their emotions through their art during times of uncertainty, creating opportunities to market and sell work that speaks to buyers’ emotions and captures a particular moment in time.
3. Branding and Marketing - Brands can utilize abstract artwork that captures a range of emotions to align with their messaging and approach to marketing and advertising, playing with contrasting messaging or concepts to create powerful, thought-provoking campaigns.