Exhibition25.06.202507.09.2025
ON SHOW
FREE

Seulgi Lee

SPAN

Exhibition25.06.202507.09.2025
ON SHOW
FREE

Seulgi Lee

SPAN

Ikon presents the first UK solo exhibition by artist Seulgi Lee.

Born in Seoul, South Korea and living in Paris, France since 1992, Seulgi Lee’s work is shaped by the use of colour, gesture, simple yet elegant forms and performance. Intrigued by the relationships between language systems, form and function in traditional crafts, she has developed a unique artistic practice in which she combines conceptual approaches with artisanal methods. For her exhibition at Ikon Gallery, Lee explores a historical measurement – the span of the human hand – through artworks from ongoing projects alongside new pieces commissioned by Ikon.

Developed from research with the School of Jewellery at Birmingham City University, SIX PENCE (2025) harks back to the Victorian trade of mother-of-pearl buttons. Embedded in a wall, the intimate work highlights the subtle artistry and lustre of such buttons, conjuring for Lee the illusion of “stars walking on clothes”. Made in collaboration with artisans in Tongyeong, a city on the Southern coast of South Korea, Blanket Project U (2014–ongoing) uses Nubi – a densely padded quilt sewn line by line – as a medium for recalling vernacular proverbs. Colourful, geometrical compositions and the direction of the weave reflect the meaning and actions of the idioms, including two new commissions depicting British sayings.

W (2017–2018) is an ensemble of palm-leaf baskets woven by female weavers in the village of Santa María Ixcatlán, Mexico. Positioned on thin, metal armatures, their anthropomorphic forms reflect the landscape of the northern region of Oaxaca and stories told to Lee by the weavers. SPAN (2025) distills the technique of Korean dancheong mural painting into a line-based composition. The bright colours of SLOW WATER (2022) draw further inspiration from the vivid palette of dancheong with an elevated platform of intricately interwoven wooden slats built in the style of Korean Munsal (traditional lattice door or window). The floating installation deftly combines the typology of the modernist grid with a riot of colours that shift with the movement of viewers. Read more.

This exhibition is made possible by lead supporter Bagri Foundation, with additional support from Ikon lead benefactor ai. gallery; Korea Artist Prize Promotion Fund, from SBS Foundation and National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea; and Trampoline, Association in support of the French art scene, Paris. The artist is represented by Gallery Hyundai, Seoul, and Galerie Jousse Entreprise, Paris.

Free Digital Guide

Explore Ikon with our free digital guide on Bloomberg Connects, the arts and culture app. Listen to audio guides, watch films and discover more.

FREE

Exhibition Details

25 June – 7 September 2025

Open Tuesday – Sunday, 11am-5pm

Free entry, please consider making a donation

This exhibition is on the Second Floor

Information on Ikon Gallery’s accessibility is available here

For additional access enquiries please contact education@ikon-gallery.org

Exhibition Survey 

VENUE

Ikon Gallery

1 Oozells Square, Brindleyplace, Birmingham B1 2HS

SHARE

3D Visit

Downloads

Document Name
Type
Size
Download
Press Release
pdf
316.9 kB
Exhibition Guide
pdf
210.0 kB

Related

Events/Family05.07.2025 / 11.00am3.00pm
See more
Family Saturday
with Natasha Taheem
Artist Natasha Taheem invites families to create graphic posters using a range of techniques including paper cutting, embroidery and screen printing, inspired by Ikon’s current exhibition by Seulgi Lee, SPAN.
Events24.06.2025 / 5.00pm7.00pm
See more
Exhibition Launch
Seulgi Lee & Thread the Loom
Join us to celebrate the launch of Ikon’s new exhibitions.
News24.10.2024
Read more
Ikon announces 2025 exhibition & education programmes
Ikon is pleased to announce its upcoming exhibition and education programmes for 2025. Established as an artists-led alternative space in the Bullring in 1964, Ikon remains free to all and committed to showcasing the very best of British and international art.
Events/Exhibition tour27.06.2025 / 3.00pm3.30pm
See more
Spotlight Tour with Amrit Sanghera
Join Amrit Sanghera, Curatorial Fellow at Ikon, for a free tour of  Seulgi Lee’s exhibition SPAN.
Artist Residency/Exhibitions25.06.202502.07.2025
See more
Weaving Studio: BCU Textiles Students
Birmingham City University Textiles students present a Weaving Studio as part of Ikon’s exhibition Thread the Loom (25 June – 7 September 2025). 
STAY IN TOUCH
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

IKON GALLERY
1 Oozells Square, Brindleyplace
Birmingham, B1 2HS

GALLERY: +44 (0)121 248 0708
SHOP: +44 (0)121 248 0708

Ikon is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Copyright © 2025 IKON. All rights reserved. Registered charity no. 528892