Whether you enjoy works of art for that element of escapism or for some internal reflection, it is very rare to find a piece that offers both. That was, of course, before you met Sujin Lee — the Korean breakthrough artist who paints from her experiences, but also experiences life through her paintings. Inviting us into her incredibly intimate perspective, she has comprised a selection of 20 paintings, which will debut at her first UK show, hosted by Saatchi Yates. The collection builds a female-only world, which delves deep into the bonds of women from friendships to sisterhoods and everything in between.

The relatability of Lee’s art permeates every portrait, thanks to her painting practice which is largely predicated upon observation. Drawing from her immediate surroundings as well as the dynamics between herself and the woman in her life, Sujin creates imagery that is reminiscent of herself and every woman. The faces of the portraits, which are scattered with non-specific features, offer the perfect amount of introspection. You can lose yourself in the images and the emotions they inhabit, but can also find yourself in them if you look closely enough. With notes of female empowerment tracing almost every painting, the closeness of the painted figured speaks for the necessity of support and love from women to women — a sentiment that is often lost in modern discourse.

“We heard about a young artist with a small cult following in South Korea, and became increasingly intrigued by her world. She was painting in the ‘Superflat’ style of Murakami and Nara but bringing an elegance and charm through the characters in her female-only world. We started speaking to Sujin in 2019 and she has spent the last two years working on a large-scale exhibition which we are very delighted to present in London,” comments Saatchi Yates founders Phoebe Saatchi Yates and Arthur Yates.

The exhibition will be the largest exposition of Lee’s works to date, marking the artists’ debut solo show in the UK. A first look at the pieces will occur at a private view, from 6-9pm on Wednesday the 2nd of February, and will be available for the public to enjoy until the 26th of March.