Tate Modern has awarded Mire Lee the annual Turbine Hall Commission. Lee is recognized for her visceral sculptures that employ kinetic, mechanized components to evoke the conflict between pliant forms and structured systems.
Lee is renowned for her expansive installations that use substances like clay and silicone that are wrapped around armatures, grates, and other constructions. The sculptures usually resemble innards, and there are plenty of dripping and squeezes as her gooey materials are propelled by machinery.
Based in Amsterdam and Seoul, the Korean artist has participated in biennials and museum exhibitions in recent years. One of her most noteworthy installations was at the Venice Biennale in 2022, where she displayed a towering scaffold covered with entrails. Her recent show at the New Museum, which occupied an entire floor, was striking. Lee drew inspiration from Julia Kristeva’s exploration of the concept of rejection, using it as the driving force behind her artwork.
Art lovers can view her commissioned site-specific work at the Turbine Hall from October 8 through March 16, 2025. This will be Lee’s first significant UK showing of her work.
Turbine Hall has hosted prominent artists from all around the world since 2000. Among the commissioned artists so far are Ai Weiwei, Louise Bourgeois, Tania Bruguera, Abraham Cruzvillegas, Olafur Eliasson, Doris Salcedo, Kara Walker, Cecilia Vicuña, and Anicka Yi. The 2023 commission, titled “Behind the Red Moon” by El Anatsui, is currently on display until April 14, 2024.
The commission is made possible through the partnership between Tate and Hyundai Motor, solidified until 2026 as the most extensive collaboration from an external company in Tate’s history.
