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Paul Art Lee (Korean American, b. 1962)

Paul Art Lee is a Korean American artist and pastor, born in Seoul, South Korea, and currently based in California, USA. He graduated from Chugye University for the Arts in Korea and later pursued theological studies in Calvinist orthodoxy at Chongshin University in the United States, earning M.Div., Th.M., and D.Min. degrees.

Faith and Artistic Journey

Lee began drawing at the age of six and officially debuted as an artist in 1984. In his thirst for spiritual freedom, peace, and love, he presented a performance art piece in 1986 as an act of entrusting his inner struggles to God. He then entered a long period of waiting—for healing and restoration.

In 1995, Lee chose to stop creating art entirely and instead focused on teaching, all while immersing himself more deeply in his faith.

After relocating to the United States in 2004, he became a pastor. He dedicated himself to serving others—teaching art to students and people with disabilities, and supporting the homeless through outreach. In February 2023, he returned to artistic practice with renewed purpose, launching a new series titled Light of Life, inspired by the biblical passages Isaiah 60:1–3 and John 1:4.

The Artistic Vision

Lee’s work exists at the intersection of spiritual art and postmodernism. Rooted in Christian theology, his art centers on themes of divine light, love, and grace. Through a contemporary visual language, he presents biblical messages with clarity and emotional depth—offering a distinctive voice within modern Christian art.

Unlike many artists who imply spirituality through abstraction, Lee directly visualizes the gospel. He integrates reality—where people and nature exist—with spiritual truths. This union creates a compelling visual experience that evokes peace, healing, and the redemptive love of God. His work not only continues the legacy of Christian art but also asserts a meaningful presence in the broader history of religious and cultural art.

Style and Technique

Lee’s artistic style blends realism, symbolism, and abstraction. He masterfully portrays objects with captivating forms and radiant colors, imbuing each piece with narrative depth. Over time, his works invite layered interpretations and elicit deep emotional resonance, suggesting long-term historical and artistic value.

His preferred mediums are acrylic and oil on canvas. Backgrounds tend to be abstract, while symbol-laden subjects are rendered in hyperrealistic detail. His use of light-colored hues—representing divine illumination—intertwines with rich textures and vibrant palettes to convey both mystery and vitality. His play of light and shadow evokes a modern interpretation of chiaroscuro reminiscent of Caravaggio.

Though stylistically distinct, Lee’s luminous and spiritually charged color schemes draw comparisons to Chagall and Matisse. His compositions balance intensity and serenity, offering a visual rhythm that gently invites spiritual reflection and emotional healing.

Exhibitions and Global Reach

Since reestablishing his career in 2023, Lee has exhibited his work internationally in galleries, museums, art fairs, and competitions. His active participation in exhibitions across Europe—including France, Italy, and Austria—as well as in Korea and the United States, positions him among the voices shaping contemporary art.

Through visually striking works that blend aesthetic beauty with spiritual and emotional depth, Lee continues to inspire and move audiences around the world.

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Artist Statement

I'm a Korean American artist and pastor based in California, where my journey with art and faith deeply intertwines.

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Since the age of 6, I have found solace and expression through drawing and painting. My official artistic path began in 1984. However, two years later, amidst a quest for freedom and peace in both life and art, I faced a significant challenge. I immersed myself in a performance of painting with my own body—an act of personal struggle that, unfortunately, provided little relief.

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After graduating from art college that same year, I shifted my focus to teaching aspiring artists while gradually setting aside creative pursuits. In 1995, I decided to step away from life as a professional artist.

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My journey took a new turn when I moved to the United States in 2004 and felt a divine calling to serve as a pastor. Alongside teaching art to students and conducting art therapy for disabled individuals, I dedicated myself to church ministry and serving the homeless community. Though I continued to paint during this time, it was primarily to inspire my students rather than create personal works.

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Upon becoming a U.S. citizen, I sought a new identity through prayer. I was inspired to adopt the name Paul Art, reflecting a dual commitment to gospel ministry and artistic expression. Little did I know then that this journey would lead me to actively share the gospel through artwork.

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In February 2023, I resumed my artistic path with renewed purpose. My deep spiritual and emotional thirst for freedom and peace was ultimately quenched in our Lord Jesus Christ. This discovery marked a profound turning point in my life.

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As a pastor, my prayer to God was to follow in the footsteps of Paul the Apostle. Above all, I desired to glorify God and live under His gospel, love, and grace. I also prayed that my artwork would bring people healing, recovery, and consolation. It became clear that God had prepared me to create works that could save and heal souls through gospel-inspired art.

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My artistic vision centers around the theme of "The Light of Life." During prayer, while seeking what to paint and how to express it, Isaiah 60:1-3 and John 1:4 came to mind. I am giving my art the subtitle "The Love Story" starting this year, 2024.

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I see my art as a visual journey seeking love, grace, freedom, and peace found in the gospel. Each piece I create tells a story through symbols—abstract forms and realistic depictions of animals, insects, fruits, and flowers—all imbued with profound spiritual meaning. In that sense, my art resides at the intersection of postmodernism and conceptual art, with lines and water droplets often symbolizing God’s love and kingdom.

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My artistic world begins and ends with prayer. The artworks I create are infused with the presence of Jesus Christ, who is the Light of Life, along with the energy of God’s love and grace. It is my sincere hope that those who encounter my art will experience healing, renewal, and spiritual awakening.

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