Overview

This book celebrates the life and works of Lee Qoede (1913-1965), who focused on art's social purpose and representation of civilians. He believed art must be an integral part of the struggle in reality. It cannot simply be a still-life of apples, flowers, or scenery. Born in South Korea, he was a prisoner of war, defected to North Korea, was politically purged, and died at fifty-two. His works were banned in South Korea until 1988. This monograph explores Lee Qoede's art within the context of Cold War politics and international leftist exchanges, including his experiences of civilian massacres, prisoner-of-war camps, and his defection to North Korea. It examines social realism, socialist realism, and Mexican mural influences on Lee's oeuvre, reevaluating his place in South Korean art history. Highlighting the global impact of Lee's work, the book integrates insights from international artists and movements, challenging Eurocentric modernism and offering a comprehensive understanding of his artistic journey. Website: Jinyoung Anna Jin - Home Social Media/Instagram: @jinyoungannajin

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9789048560059

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Reviews

“Blending existing research by Korean academics (of which very little has been previously published in English) with recent findings, Jin presents a cogent and multivalent exploration of Lee’s creative and sociopolitical milieu…This English-language survey of Lee Qoede’s life and work encapsulates a masterful integration of the artistic, political, and social factors behind Lee’s emergence as one of Korea’s most beloved yet historically disregarded artists.” Andy St. Louis, ArtAsiaPacific, (May, 2025): 99

“Jin's scholarship represents a significant advancement in the field, as she expands upon existing scholarship by illuminating the connections between Lee Qoede's artistic oeuvre and the Mexican Mural art movement. Her innovative approach and in-depth research of this lesser-known field fill a critical gap in our understanding of modern Korean art and provide valuable insights into the broader cultural exchanges that shaped the Korean artistic landscape of the early 20th century.” Jiyeon Kim, Curator of Korean Art, Peabody Essex Museum

Author Information

Jinyoung Anna Jin, PhD., is the Director of Asian Art and Culture at the Charles B. Wang Center at Stony Brook University and has served on the community advisory board for PBS Thirteen/WLIW since 2016. www.thewangcenter.org

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