Artist Spotlight

Susan Lee-Chun

Name:  Susan Lee-Chun

City:  Currently residing in Miami

Birthplace:  Born in Seoul, Korea / Raised in Chicago, Illinois

Artistic Medium:  Interdisciplinary- performance, video, photography, installation

How did you get started?
I woke up one day and realized that I was Asian.

Who or what are your influences?
My influences are constantly changing based on what I am thinking about and how I envision the work for that moment. Right now I find myself drawn to a wide variety of artists such as Patty Chang, Gilbert & George, Paul McCarthy, Bruce Nauman, and Adrian Piper. As different as they are, I find something so appealing about each artist’s approach to performance-based works.

What inspires your work?
There are a few things that inspire the various aspects of my work. First, my personal experience as an Asian-American woman is a large influence on the content. Second, my interests in comedians such as Dave Chapelle and Margaret Cho make it hard for me not to integrate humor into the work. Lastly, my obsession with fashion and garment design has me glued to every fashion magazine.

How does Miami/South Florida influence your work?
Having only been here for three years now, I would have to admit that Miami has been a transformative agent in my work.   My move to Miami from Chicago in 2004 was very influential in the shaping of my work. Although people have always inquired and/or confronted me of my cultural differences, the interactions in Miami were very different and unexpected. As Chicago became far more diverse with various ethnic groups immigrating into the city, being Asian did not feel alien. I became very comfortable in “my skin”. When I decided to move to Miami, I was very excited about exploring a new career and a new city. However, the excitement I had for living in Miami was dimmed when I faced issues of race everyday all over again. Three years of living in a city where you stick out like a sore thumb became difficult and a challenge to ensue.

How would you describe your work?
Humorous and often uncomfortable, or unsettling---like ice cream and brain-freeze.

What has been the most unusual reaction to your work from the public?
The reactions vary based on the viewer’s exposure to performance-based works. The most startling and memorable moment was when I was tackled while performing. It’s always interesting how people choose to respond.

What would you like to achieve as an artist?
There are many things I would like to achieve as an artist. However, none of them outweigh the importance of wanting to constantly be in the mode to challenge, develop, and evolve my work---conceptually, theoretically, and aesthetically.  Also, being in a Whitney Biennial or Venice Biennale here and there wouldn’t hurt. 

Upcoming shows:
Through October 6, my first solo exhibition, “Versus,” on view at Spinello Gallery, 2294 NW 2 Ave., Miami

October 13 at the Moore Space- “Hurricane Projects I: Outbursts of Energy.”  I will be performing from 7-10 p.m., the performance is titled “Along Came Sioux.”

The Moore Space, 4040 NE 2 Avenue, Miami

Also, opening on October 13 at the Bas Fisher Invitational- MOD 11, a group show

December 5-9 at the Pulse Miami Art Fair.  I will be putting together a solo show/performance courtesy of Spinello Gallery.

January 2008, first museum solo exhibition at Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art.

Where is your work available?
My work is available through Spinello Gallery, 2294 NW 2 Ave., Miami spinellogallery.com

The Inevitable Battle When Sue Finally  Meets Sioux, #1 Lambda Print, Edition of 5,  48" x 32", 2007 The Inevitable Battle When Sue Finally  Meets Sioux, #2 Lambda Print, Edition of 5,  48" x 32", 2007 Bragging Rights,  Lambda Print, Edition of 5,  48" x 32",  2007  Remember, Swing Hard & Swing Away Lambda Print, Edition of 5,  48" x 32", 2007 The End is Near (Sioux Charging With All Her Might) Lambda Print, Edition of 5,  36" x 24”,  2007 Not Again (Sioux Comes Back For More) Lambda Print, Edition of 5, 36" x 24",  2007

If you are an artist and would like to be a part of Artist Spotlight, contact Mary Damiano at StarrWriter2000@aol.com