At a glance
Gleaming metallic structures and iridescent surfaces explore the tension between industrial ambition and the fragility of utopian dreams in Chelsea.
Meet the artist
Why go
This presentation marks the artist’s first exhibition with the gallery, showcasing substantial new sculptures alongside recent works that examine how technology and architecture shape our vision of the future.
You'll see
Monumental metallic balloon · Mother-of-pearl paintings · Velvet-based works · Hybrid architectural sculptures
Pace of visit
The large-scale installations and intricate material details reward a slower pace across the expansive gallery spaces.
Don't miss
Willing To Be Vulnerable—Metalized Balloon, a massive suspended airship that anchors the exhibition's exploration of technological ruin.
Artlovers Tip
Look closely at the contrast between the imposing metallic finishes and the inherent delicacy of the materials used, which underscores the show's theme of fragility.
Inside the exhibition
The Anatomy of Every Setting Sun — Lee Bul at Hauser & Wirth in New York, USA, presents a significant body of work by the South Korean artist. The exhibition transforms the West 22nd Street space into a landscape of futuristic forms, where crystalline structures and mechanical ruins reflect on the collapse of 20th-century utopian ideals.
Visitors encounter a variety of media, from monumental sculptures suspended in the air to delicate paintings incorporating mother-of-pearl and velvet. The works bridge the gap between organic biology and cold machinery, featuring hybrid architectures that feel both ancient and science-fictional.
This solo show is particularly notable for debuting major new sculptures alongside recent technical experiments. By contrasting heavy industrial materials with fragile, iridescent surfaces, Lee Bul creates a poignant commentary on the vulnerability inherent in our technological progress and collective aspirations.
Worth travelling for?
A visually arresting and intellectually dense exhibition for those interested in contemporary sculpture and speculative futures in the heart of Chelsea.
Experience as an Artlover
The exhibition is located at Hauser & Wirth's West 22nd Street location in New York; check the gallery website for seasonal opening hours and potential holiday closures.
The Anatomy of Every Setting Sun — Lee Bul
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