A Lover's Discourse

To Love Love

Explosion of language du ring which the subject manages to annul the loved object under the volume of love itself: by a specifically amorous perversion, it is love the subject loves, not the object. 

In this context, one can observe how the intricacies of emotional attachment often blur the lines of reality, creating a tapestry of feelings where the beloved becomes a mere vessel for the expression of love, rather than a distinct individual with personal complexities.

A significant source of inspiration comes from Roland Barthes's book Fragments d'un discours amoureux (A Lover's Discourse), which explores the complexities of love and longing from various perspectives. Barthes delves into the intimate and often contradictory feelings associated with love, weaving narratives that illustrate the depth of the emotional experience. His work reflects on personal desire and engages with philosophical inquiries about the nature of longing itself. When we are in love, we are constantly interrupted. These interruptions are caused by our thoughts, ideas and annoyances. ‘Fragments of a Lover's Discourse also reflects a great deal of loneliness, the confinement we place ourselves in when we are in love: we no longer listen to anyone, only to our inner turmoil.’ We become ensnared in a web of our emotions, struggling to break free while clinging to the familiarity of our sadness for comfort.

The South Korean artist  Jung Lee, artistry slows everything down, carefully analysing the most intense and overwhelming emotional state: unanswered desire. Through her stunning photographs of text-based neon light installations set against the backdrop of diverse and ever-changing landscapes, she expertly juxtaposes contrasting sentimental phrases with stark layouts of deserted plains and barren snowfields. This engaging contrast is not just aesthetic; it conveys a variety of powerful emotions and invites viewers to reflect on their experiences and aspirations, as well as the unresolved tensions that often accompany love. Her work encapsulates the complex language of complete love and the profound solitude it imposes on the lover, prompting contemplation of the nature of affection and longing. It enables viewers to experience these emotions vicariously, forging a connection that transcends mere observation. Through her unique style, she captures fleeting moments of vulnerability with which many can identify, evoking a sense of shared human experience that resonates and challenges our understanding of love's multifaceted expressions.

Jung gathers well-worn expressions of love and animosity, such as 'How could you do this to me?' and 'I love you with all my heart,' and arranges them into works of art that deeply resonate and linger with viewers, and challenge societal norms and personal expectations. By combining these phrases alongside her artistic vision, she transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, offering audiences a fresh perspective on their feelings. This approach breathes new life into the discourse surrounding love, prompting more profound contemplation on how we express our emotions in a society that often disregards the importance of vulnerability. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of acknowledging our emotional challenges and victories, and it can facilitate healing process for both the artist and the viewer. Her thorough understanding of visual storytelling and communication is a key aspect of her artistry. Her art reflects the aesthetic beauty of light and text, revealing her insightful understanding of human emotions and reminding us that love, in all its intricacies, requires reflection, understanding, and acceptance of our collective humanity.

Jung Lee, lives and works in Seoul. Her unique approach to art reflects not only her cultural background but also her deep connections to the contemporary urban environment that surrounds her, often leading to breathtaking visual experiences that resonate with a wide audience. Her diversified academic background has greatly influenced her artistic expressions, allowing her to blend various narratives into a cohesive and engaging visual dialogue.