Lee Ufan's Relatum Sculptures Transform Rijksmuseum Gardens in Amsterdam This Summer
The historic gardens of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam are set to host a unique open-air exhibition featuring the minimalist sculptures of renowned Korean artist Lee Ufan. Marking his first solo show in the Netherlands, this summer-long display invites visitors to experience Ufan's Relatum series, which he has continuously developed since the 1970s. The exhibition runs from May 28 to October 27, 2024.
Experiencing Lee Ufan’s Art at the Rijksmuseum
Nine pieces from Lee Ufan’s Relatum series will be showcased, with seven strategically placed throughout the Rijksmuseum gardens and two installed within the museum itself. These works, characterized by their use of stone and metal, are designed to create a visual dialogue with both the natural environment of the gardens and the iconic architecture of the museum.
Lee Ufan's approach, often referred to as 'the Art of Encounter,' encourages contemplation and offers a moment of tranquility amidst the bustling museum square. Visitors can explore these thought-provoking sculptures freely, as entry to the Rijksmuseum gardens is complimentary. The exhibition provides a new context for both recent and older works by the artist, promoting reflection in a contemporary setting.
About the Artist: Lee Ufan
Born in 1936, Lee Ufan is a prominent Korean artist, working across painting, poetry, and philosophy, in addition to his sculpture. His works are part of major museum collections worldwide, including MoMA and the Guggenheim Museum in New York, Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the Tate in London.
Ufan played a key role in the Japanese avant-garde art movement Mono-ha ('School of Things'), which investigated the relationship between raw materials and space. He was also central to the South Korean Dansaekhwa movement, known for its exploration of abstraction and materiality through monochrome painting. His overall body of work is defined by minimalism, abstraction, and a strong focus on materials, emphasizing a connection between the viewer, the artwork, and its surroundings.
A Tradition of Outdoor Sculpture Exhibitions in Amsterdam
This presentation of Lee Ufan's work is the eleventh edition in the Rijksmuseum's ongoing series of annual outdoor sculpture exhibitions. Since the gardens reopened in 2013, the museum has featured significant artists such as Henry Moore (2013), Alexander Calder (2014), Joan Miró (2015), and Louise Bourgeois (2019), continuing a tradition of bringing contemporary art into conversation with the historical space. The exhibition is curated by independent curator Alfred Pacquement and Mels Evers, the Rijksmuseum’s curator of 20th-century art. A catalogue accompanies the exhibition, featuring contributions from Lee Ufan, Alfred Pacquement, and Mels Evers.
To discover more about cultural events and exhibitions in Amsterdam, explore Musemap (musemap.art) for details on current displays or to browse other museums in the city. You can also view what's on during your visit.
