Best Animation Short
NAU School of Art + Design Associate Professor Jaewook Lee recently won Best Animation Short at the Kooki International Film Festival!
Jaewook Lee crafts 3D/CGI animation, AR, VR, video, and installations, re-envisioning the connection between humans and nature for artistic inspiration. Lee participated in events such as the Montreal International Animation Film Festival (2023), ARKO Art & Tech Festival: Nothing Makes Itself at Arko Art Center in Seoul (2021), SACO9 Contemporary Art Festival in Chile (2020), Mindful Joint at Art Sonje Center in Seoul (2017), and the Hypnotic Show at the Guggenheim Museum in New York (2017), among others. He’s also been featured at venues like the Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei, Santa Fe Art Institute, the Hong-Gah Museum in Taiwan, the Total Museum of Contemporary Art in Seoul, and the Museo Juan Manuel Blanes in Montevideo. His achievements include a feature in Sculpture Magazine (May 2017) and a presence in permanent collections at the Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art and the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts. Lee earned MFAs from Carnegie Mellon University and the School of Visual Arts. Currently, Lee serves as an Associate Professor of New Media Art at Northern Arizona University.
We recently sat down for a friendly chat with Professor Lee to find out more about the winning film, Ana Mendieta Might (2023).
How has your art practice evolved into the work you currently make?
Over the years, my art practice has evolved significantly. I started with traditional mediums and techniques, but I began incorporating digital tools and technologies as I explored more. This shift has allowed me to experiment with different forms and styles, creating works like Ana Mendieta Might (2023).
How does your art practice inform your teaching?
My art practice greatly informs my teaching. It allows me to share real-world experiences and insights with my students. I encourage them to experiment, take risks, and find their unique voice, just as I do in my practice.
What is the inspiration behind Ana Mendieta Might?
The film Ana Mendieta Might (2023) is inspired by the life and work of Cuban-American artist, Ana Mendieta. Her innovative approach to performance art and her deep connection with nature have been a significant influence. The film imagines an alternate reality where Mendieta’s artistic journey extends to an extraterrestrial setting.
Can you describe your creative process for creating a work such as Ana Mendieta Might?
Creating a work like Ana Mendieta Might involves a lot of research, brainstorming, and conceptualization. I start by studying Mendieta’s life and work, then imagine how her artistic journey might evolve in a different context. The actual creation of the film involves storyboarding, 3D animation, sound design, and editing.
Could you share something interesting about yourself outside of teaching and creating art?
Outside of teaching and creating art, I have a passion for astronomy. The mysteries of the universe fascinate me, and this interest often seeps into my artwork, as seen in Ana Mendieta Might.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I’d like to say that art is a journey of constant learning and exploration. Whether you’re an artist, a student, or an art enthusiast, there’s always something new to discover and appreciate.