Space for art, on a bridge by the sea

SACHEON, South Gyeongsang - Artist Sangnam Lee talks about his new work “Landscapic Algorithm III”, which is installed in a bridge of glass and steel that links the two buildings comprising LIG Insurance’s new training institute in Sacheon. The 36-meter-long abstract painting, acrylic urethane on 18 heavy steel panels, completely covers one side of the bridge and makes an impressive contrast with the opposite side, which offers a view of the sea through transparent glass.

“Nowadays, paintings tend to be subordinate to architecture,” the New York-based Korean artist said. “So I focused on keeping the painting’s independence. While I was working, I talked with the architect many times about what the bridge containing my painting would look like.

“Now this space is not only a bridge but also an art gallery for my painting. It has a constant temperature and humidity and other conditions that are similar to a museum,” Lee said. “I hope this bridge will become the center of the training institute.” By Moon So-young