Yoon Lee is a Korean born artist working in Los Angeles. Her practice is focused in sculptural paintings and ceramics.

“I create art that explores feminine identity through personal experiences and culture. I focus on maternal protection of mothers, their maternal instincts, and love. At the same time, I examine the history and ongoing discrimination women face in Korea, such as cultural preference for sons and the brutal history of Comfort Women during World War II. I let viewers reflect on women's resilience and the hardships they went through that help shape today’s society. As people identify, they will discover how it still happens in different countries. 

I chose materials to mimic the natural elements inspired by animal habitats. Their instinct for protection connects to their mother’s maternal love. My artistic decisions are made based on my cultural background. Therefore, my experience as a Korean woman is the main subject of my work, along with cultural expectations and oppression. I incorporate traditional materials such as Hanji or Hanbok to make parallels between the struggles of Korean women and contemporary issues to bring femininity experience across periods.”

Solo Exhibitions

2025

Mud to Bloom @ USC Roski Lindhurst Gallery // Los Angeles, CA

2024

Chrysalis @ USC Roski IFT Gallery // Los Angeles, CA

Select Group Exhibitions

2024

Annual Student Exhibition @ USC Fisher Museum // Los Angeles, CA

8th Annual Scholarship Exhibition @ Palos Verdes Art Center // Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

2023

Annual Student Exhibition @ USC Fisher Museum // Los Angeles, CA

Spring Student Showcase @ Saddleback College // Mission Viejo, CA

“Korean Wave” @ Korean American Artists Association // WA

2022

Spring Student Showcase @ Saddleback College // Mission Viejo, CA

Honors & Awards

2025

Macomber Travel Award, University of Southern California // Los Angeles, CA

2024

Best of Show, Korean American Artists Association of Washington State // WA

2023

Best in Show, Saddleback College Spring Student Showcase Award // Mission Viejo, CA

2022

First Place in Painting, Saddleback College Spring Student Showcase Award // Mission Viejo, CA

Education

2026

BFA Fine Arts, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA