Artist Talk with Leekyung Kang: Entombed in Static

Friday, March 7, 2025 | 6pm to 7:30pm

25 West 43rd Street, 10th Floor, Room 1000
between 5th & 6th Avenues, Manhattan

In-Person: RSVP | Online: RSVP

Leekyung Kang, the inaugural artist-in-residence at the Queens College School of Arts (Fall 2024), will present on her recent work inspired by Buddhist cosmology’s cyclical nature, creating a series of paintings, print, and installation that interrogate the formal aspects of what is architecturally defined as a form of chamber. Beginning with the visual language of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism (대한불교조계종, 大韓佛敎 曹溪宗), Kang plans to incorporate imagery from various religions to illustrate how ancient beliefs interpret ideas of cosmic harmony and divine presence. Drawing from ancient tomb or chamber murals across religions and cultures, her work aims to reconcile diverse elements to refine the articulation of cyclical and transformative existence.

URL: http://www.kangleekyung.com

Author Bio

Leekyung Kang is an accomplished artist specializing in printmaking and painting, supported by an extensive educational background. She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Printmaking from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2017 and holds degrees from Seoul National University, where she completed both a Master and Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting. Kang has also studied modern culture and media at Brown University and participated in advanced printmaking programs at Columbia University.

Kang's artwork has been featured in numerous exhibitions worldwide, including the Kumho Art Museum in Seoul, Korea and the Sanford Underground Research Facility. Additionally, she has participated in several residencies internationally including the Fountainhead fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar, the Frans Masereel Centrum in Belgium, and the Vermont Studio Center. Her work is included in prestigious collections like the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Korea, underscoring her impact on contemporary art. In Fall 2024, she was the inaugural artist-in-residence at the Queens College/CUNY School of Arts, where she explored Buddhist cosmology through large-scale painting, mirrors, and digital installations.

In addition to her artistic practice, Kang contributes to the art community, awards, and professional service. She has received notable grants, including the Kumho Young Artist Stipend Award and the Thomas Chen Family/Crystal Window Endowment in 2024. Kang aims to “offer an immersive experience of Asian visual art and its intersection with interdisciplinary humanities.” Her dedication to inclusivity in the arts is evident in her roles on various committees, including the Service to Artists Committee of the College Art Association. As she embarks on new projects, Kang continues to inspire and challenge perceptions within the contemporary art landscape.