Walking into the Jewett Art Center last Friday, visitors were met with an unexpected blend of contemporary media, unconventional materials, and styles, all revolving around the intriguing theme of transcendence from morality. The exhibit, aptly titled “Liquid Lines,” showcased a collaboration between two Wellesley alums, Breslin Bell and Juyon Lee, both from the class of 2018. On display from Nov. 1 to Dec. 8, this exhibit pushed the boundaries of artistic expression, leaving visitors captivated by its unique narrative.
Bell and Lee were recipients of the 2022-23 Alice C. Cole ’42 Studio Project Grant, a prestigious award designed to support recent Wellesley College graduates in their artistic pursuits. Named after a distinguished Wellesley artist, Alice C. Cole, the grant provides financial support to allow emerging artists like Bell and Lee to focus on their craft and explore their creative potential.
Both artists have already made significant contributions to the art world before coming together for “Liquid Lines.” Bell, with an MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design, has exhibited globally in various group exhibitions since 2016. She has also held residencies at renowned institutions such as Mass MoCa and The Center for Contemporary Printmaking and currently teaches as a faculty member at RISD. On the other hand, Lee, who earned her MFA from Tufts University, has showcased her work in prestigious galleries such as Tufts University Art Galleries, Emerson Contemporary, and Collar Works. Her extensive list of residencies includes The Studios at Mass MoCA, Anderson Ranch Arts Center, and the NARS Foundation.
During the exhibit’s closing reception on Dec. 8, I had the opportunity to speak with Juyon Lee, gaining insights into her creative process and the overarching message behind “Liquid Lines.” Lee emphasized that her interest in art has always been instinctual, but it was at Wellesley that she discovered the transformative power of her craft. Professor Daniela Riveria’s class played a pivotal role in reshaping her understanding of art, pushing her towards the unconventional and encouraging a focus on the phenomena of the world rather than technique.
Lee’s passion lies in the exploration of transience and ephemerality, conveyed through physical materials in her artwork. She spoke animatedly about her series titled “Wet Photographs,” where she intricately weaves together two images before pouring resin over them. This process captures a moment frozen in time, exploring the constant flux of our perception of time and space. Lee’s pieces, from long silk hangings to resin-soaked abstracts, invite viewers to delve beneath the surface, pondering the abstract nature of morality and the possibilities of transcendence.
As the interview concluded amidst the captivating display of flux-themed artworks, I asked Lee if she had any advice for current Wellesley artists and students in general. Her response emphasized the importance of being part of a supportive community, one that shares similar values and interests. Lee believes that such communities are crucial in providing the encouragement needed for artists to persist and evolve.
With the support of their communities, artists like Bell and Lee are likely to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity. As they explore the depths of artistic expression, one can only hope that they, and others like them, will return to Wellesley to inspire future generations, encouraging them to transcend the boundaries of morality and embrace the boundless possibilities of art.