South Korean Artist Lee Bul Transforms Met Museum with Bold Sculptures

South Korean artist Lee Bul has unveiled her striking 'Long Tail Halo' sculptures on the facade of the Met Museum, transforming its Fifth Avenue exterior with four futuristic figures. This is Lee's first major project in the U.S. in over two decades, blending elements of classical sculpture with contemporary, abstract forms. The installation, part of the Genesis Facade Commission series, explores themes of progress, failure, and the interaction between technology and humanity. Lee's works continue to push the boundaries of sculpture, evoking both the past and the future, while resonating with personal and collective histories.

Lee Bul Transforms Met Museum with 'Long Tail Halo'

South Korean artist Lee Bul has made a dramatic return to the U.S. art scene with her latest work, 'Long Tail Halo,' now gracing the niches of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Fifth Avenue facade. This installation marks her first major U.S. project in over 20 years, making a bold statement as part of the museum’s Genesis Facade Commission series. Known for her visionary sculptures that blend futuristic and organic elements, Lee’s new work continues her exploration of the tensions between technology and humanity.

Futuristic Sculptures with Classical Influence

The four sculptures that make up 'Long Tail Halo' combine human-like and animalistic forms with geometric precision. Two humanoid figures, towering above the museum's entrance, echo classical Greco-Roman sculptures while integrating modern industrial materials like EVA and polycarbonate. On the outer edges, two crouching figures—reminiscent of Lee’s past work with cyborgs and futuristic themes—release crystalline prisms, creating a stunning juxtaposition between the sculptures and the museum’s historic Beaux-Arts facade.

Exploring Themes of Progress and Failure

Lee Bul’s sculptures are known for their deep engagement with the contradictions of human progress, and 'Long Tail Halo' is no exception. The shimmering, futuristic forms evoke aspirations of technological advancement and perfection, while their fragmented, incomplete nature hints at the inherent failures and vulnerabilities in these pursuits. Through her art, Lee challenges viewers to contemplate the relationship between history, innovation, and the human condition.

A Milestone in Lee Bul’s Career

This installation is a significant milestone for Lee, whose last major U.S. exhibition was in 2002. Since then, she has received international acclaim for her work, including representing South Korea at the Venice Biennale and holding major retrospectives in London and Seoul. Her return to the U.S. with the Met facade commission underscores her enduring influence in the global contemporary art world. 'Long Tail Halo' will be on display through May 2025, offering visitors a powerful reflection on the complexities of modern life.