Interview
Paul Art Lee
Paul Art Lee is a Korean American artist and pastor in California. His “Light of Life” works unite gospel and art, blending prayer, symbolism, and postmodern forms to inspire healing, renewal, and spiritual awakening through Christ’s love and grace.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I was born in Seoul, Korea in 1962 and currently live and work in Buena Park, California. I studied at Chugye University for the Arts in Korea and later pursued theological studies at Chongshin University in the United States, earning M.Div., Th.M., and D.Min. degrees. I began drawing at the age of six and officially debuted as an artist in 1984. In 1986, I presented a performance art piece that symbolized entrusting my inner struggles to God, marking the beginning of my journey that intertwines art and faith.”
What inspires you?
“I am inspired by my faith in Jesus Christ, the beauty of God's creation, and the Bible. Since childhood, I have longed for freedom and peace, and I ultimately found it in the Gospel.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“The central theme of my work is ‘Jesus Christ, the Light of Life.’ My paintings are a sacred language where each brushstroke is a sermon and each symbol a prayer. I pursue themes of freedom, peace, restoration, and divine presence, aiming to heal and comfort viewers. At the Florence Biennale 2025, I emphasized that the light I pursue is not material but the light of eternal life.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work combines abstraction and realism. Wide brushstrokes and overlapping paint form abstract backgrounds symbolizing space and time, while realistic depictions of nature—birds, butterflies, fruits, flowers—are overlaid. This interplay communicates freedom, peace, and God's grace. My art is both visual storytelling and spiritual testimony written from faith.”
Which artists influence you most?
“While my primary influence is the Bible and Christian faith, my practice also reflects sensitivity to contemporary issues such as racial discrimination and violence. In recent works, I incorporated imagery of the nails of Christ’s crucifixion as a response to modern injustices. My influences are therefore less about specific artists and more about spiritual and social realities.”
“The central theme of my work is ‘Jesus Christ, the Light of Life.’ My paintings are a sacred language where each brushstroke is a sermon and each symbol a prayer.”
What is your creative process like?
“My work begins with prayer and applying Scripture to reality. I create abstract backgrounds using squeegees and horizontal and vertical brushstrokes, then add realistic natural elements. Each painting is both art and a story of God's love and grace, and the colors, shapes, and symbols speak of faith and the gospel. This duality reflects my identity as both artist and pastor.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I believe the role of an artist is to heal and restore individuals and society through their works of art, offering a genuine life filled with comfort, peace, respect, and love. In a society of turbulent culture and civilization, I believe artists will bridge the spiritual and cultural gap and play a role in healing and restoration.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“My recent exhibitions include: Le Salon D'Automne 2025, Place de la Concords 75008 Paris Florence Biennale 2025, Italy – Theme: ‘Light and Darkness’ LA Art Show 2025, Los Angeles Convention Center 9th Solo Exhibition, EK Gallery, California (2024) – ‘Light of Life: The Love Story.’ These exhibitions allowed me to share my vision of light, faith, and healing across both American and European art scenes.”
Website: www.paulartlee.com
Instagram: @paulartlee
