The Realms of Lee and Mars

The parallels between artists David Choong Lee and Mars-1 may not be immediately apparent. Choong Lee's work is decidedly urban, from his unambiguous though compassionate depictions of San Francisco homeless people to his swaggering multimedia impressions of underground DJ culture. His art is like the city streets: heavily layered, highly textural, and full of dark corners. But Mars-1 is also rooted in the street — he began doing graffiti art when he was 13 —though his work is as ethereal as Choong Lee's is earthy. Cosmic coral reefs, nebulous metaflora, delicate alien cities, and one-eyed automatons are presented as if his paintbrush were a key to another dimension. So consistent and intact is the visual language of this universe that viewing it is like sight-seeing without a passport. (Luckily, Mars-1 makes skateboard decks and designer figures, so souvenirs are available.) Beyond technical prowess and remarkable patience, the two artists also share a profound storytelling ability and generosity of spirit toward their subjects and their audience — all too rare among rising art stars. Mars-1 and David Choong Lee have also recently collaborated on a book. The exhibit "Mental and Material Realms" features new works, including large bronze casts of Mars-1's otherworldly vinyl figures and multitiered sculptures created by Choong Lee using cigar boxes, as well as paintings by both.
May 17-June 21, 2008