Hatnim Lee @ Transformer
After acquiring her first professional camera in 2006, Hatnim Lee has documented everyday scenes in a visual diary on her blog. Since then, she has found success in both the fine arts and as a commercial photographer, interning with David LaChapelle and having work featured in publications like Teen and DC Modern Luxury. Now at Transformer, a selection of Lee's vivid photographs over the past 2 years are on display.
All of Lee's photographs are ordinary yet quirky settings that carry the same visual weight. No one photograph stands out from the other. They are bright and well lit, and are rich with saturated color. Her style seems effortless as each photograph, while different in subject matter, show poignant scenes. She portrays people and places candidly in large format, documenting a brief moment in time. All of these similar characteristics lend to a cohesive feel and a distinct, clean style.
In Liz (pictured right), Lee has captured great visual texture. The busy print of the wallpaper anchors the tulle of the dress, while contrasting its unexpected color. Liz seems out of place in the mundane, old fashioned room, her dress adding whimsy. Individually Lee's photographs all have strong compositions and interesting stories, but the whole is greater then the sum of its parts here.
Lee says about her work, "Taking pictures has been a journey for me. There is always the debate of doing commercial or fine photography, but I have realized that it is all the same thing. The difference is how you want to interpret it. I like capturing vulnerable moments. When a subject's heart shakes hands with mine, it's like being emotionally rocked by a moment in time. My camera goes with me everywhere. Whenever I see anything that gives me butterflies in my stomach, or 'visual orgasms' as I call them, I shoot it."
These sentiments are shown especially in Hockey Changing Room (pictured left). The outline of the blue benches pop against the drab wall color, focusing attention on the miscellaneous clothes. The scattered clothes and forgotten gear elude to life happening outside of the photograph's frame.
Liz courtesy of the gallery.
Lee will be talking about her work and her self published book, HATNIM LEE PHOTOGRAPHS September 2006 - December 2007 on Saturday April 5, at 2 p.m. at the gallery. Hatnim Lee's photographs are on display now through April 26 at Transformer. The gallery is located at 1404 P St. NW and is open Wednesday through Saturday, 1 to 7 p.m., or by appointment.