# Contemporary Utopian Artworks Lee Bul Questions the Destiny of Humanity in Her Latest Exhibit By Meghan Young | Published 2014-11-18 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lee-bul References: [coolhunting](http://www.coolhunting.com/culture/lee-bul-at-lehmann-maupin-gallery.php) & [lehmannmaupin](http://www.lehmannmaupin.com/artists/lee-bul) It is hard not to look at Lee Bul and think of the future. Full of [mirrored surfaces and metallic finishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reflector-sculpture), the South Korean artist focuses a lot of her energy dealing with what she believes is a "disappointment about modern life" as well as "questions about the destiny of humanity." With this in mind, it is only natural that Lee Bul's work will be met with philosophical ruminations. Meditative, abstract and in some cases organic, the [sculptures and installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/optical-flow) created by Lee Bul for her latest exhibit in New York City will be met with awe. Some of her sculptures are brand new while others were created a few years ago. She says, "I have interest in how humans can keep a [positive vision of the future](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/after-utopia)—these are conceptual ideas, but I want to create an experience." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 52% | Activity: 39% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Live Arts](https://www.trendhunter.com/livearts) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Future-focused Art:** The trend of creating art that explores and questions the destiny of humanity and modern life. - **Meditative Sculptures:** The trend of creating sculptures that elicit a sense of meditation and introspection. - **Conceptual Installations:** The trend of creating immersive installations that aim to create an experiential vision of the future. ### Who This Affects Most - **Art:** The art industry can explore these trends by supporting artists who challenge and provoke philosophical ruminations. - **Exhibition:** The exhibition industry can embrace these trends by showcasing contemporary art and providing spaces for meditative experiences. - **Design:** The design industry can adopt these trends by incorporating futuristic concepts and creating installations that spark imagination and contemplation. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Human Torso-Inspired Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lene-bdker.md) - [Lightning-Inspired Artful Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bright-light-shining.md) - [Mesmerizing Sculpture Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mesmerizing-sculpture.md) - [Sculptural Gallery Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kennedy-yanko.md) - [Futuristic Totemic Lighting Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/space-relics.md) - [Retro Glass Sculpture Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/larry-bell.md) - [Perception-Challenging Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/becoming-familiar.md) - [Public-Oriented Furniture Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/furniture-for-public-use.md) - [Gem-Like Sculptural Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cylindrical-lenses.md)