Diren Lee was born in 1983 in South Korea. She builds a view on the world that cannot be explained by just one series of works. By releasing new series, mixing, and rebuilding it with her previous one, she creates her own world. The inner world created to heal her pain now describes her unique characters and symbolism through the homage of classical myths and orientalism.

Diren Lee's works have been shown for the first time in Madrid with VILLAZAN in the group exhibition entitled "In the clouds" alongside Suanjaya Kencut and Edgar Plans, and will be on view until 29 February 2024.

1. Do you consider art to be an important part of your life? If yes, why?

Drawing is my identity that supports my core. ‘Because I draw’ was an important driving force that enabled me to judge what was important to me without wavering when faced with many choices in life.

Drawing is my identity that supports my core.

2. What inspired you to become an artist, and are there specific artists or movements that have left a lasting impact on your work?

As a result of the sleep disorder I suffered from childhood, I started having special dreams. From the time I was a child until I became an adult, every day, and from then on, I started having many strange dreams. These phenomena gave me an opportunity to think about the causes that occur to me, the psychology of humans, including myself, and the value of existence.

3. In your current exhibition at VILLAZAN, you explore the relationships between characters through a red thread, a common symbol in East Asian culture. Do you think this connection is established only with the painted characters, or do you see your paintings as a way to connect with others?

The red thread is expressed as a symbol representing fate and relationships. I believe that all people are connected to some degree. When people who do not know me come to know me when they see my paintings, they are also connected to me.

When people who do not know me come to know me when they see my paintings, they are also connected to me.

4. In the work "I am waiting for you", some peculiar symbols appear on the arm and neck of the main character. What are these symbols? What do they represent, what do they mean?

Among my early works is a series of tattoos.

Tattoos are used to express indelible memories or beliefs imprinted like a tattoo. It can be seen as an extension of that tattoo series. It is also a pattern that symbolizes me, and symbolizes the eyes that distinguish between dreams and reality and recognize what is important. And the letters engraved on the main character's clothes are letters I created.

It is also a pattern that symbolizes me, and symbolizes the eyes that distinguish between dreams and reality and recognize what is important.

5. Your works are inspired by the myths and mythology of Asian culture. What awakened your interest in this topic? Do you consider art as a way to connect with your culture?

I was born and raised in Asian culture, so this is not a topic I am interested in, but rather a background that is taken for granted. I am so familiar with it that this is not new or different.

When the moment comes to say goodbye to someone precious, you want to rely on the faith you took for granted. We gain strength to overcome sadness by believing that we can meet again and that we are connected.