Lee Tal is a multi-disciplinary artist based in New York City. In his early works, Tal draws inspiration from everyday objects found in our daily lives, seeking to transcend their original purpose. Through a diverse range of artistic references, both historical and contemporary, he adeptly combines sculptural elements with layers of paint, transforming these objects into new conceptual forms.
In his recent body of work, Tal has returned to painting, exploring more personal and intimate themes that delve into the duality of the subject. His art has been showcased in prestigious institutions such as the CICA Museum (South Korea), Tel Aviv Museum of the Arts, Sinaloa Museum of Art (Mexico), Sejong National Contemporary Art Museum (South Korea), Susquehanna Art Museum (PA, USA), NDMOA Museum (ND, USA), and the Whitney Museum (NYC) among others.
Tal's unexpected combinations of representational subject matter with geometric abstraction reveal the interconnected boundaries between Minimalism, Pop Art, and contemporary painting approaches. Throughout his career, Tal has received numerous awards and grants, including the United States Artist Foundation Award, Cerf Art Grant, NYFA (New York Foundation for the Arts) City Fellowship, RedBull Art Grant, and MANA Contemporary Studio Scholarship.
His artwork is featured in several public outdoor display including in NYC & UAE, as well as in numerous private collections worldwide.
Statement:
My artistic journey is driven by a desire to explore and solve both artistic and spiritual inquiries. I am constantly intrigued by the interplay between sculpture and painting, the fusion of art and design, and the rich diversity of artistic styles. My work is centered around a dynamic space where various mediums and styles converge in harmonious symbiosis.
Early in my career, I sought to blend sculptural concepts into painted images, creating intimate narratives of our contemporary world. The global pandemic in 2020 marked a turning point, leading me to develop a new, more personal body of work. Through paintings of architectural structures, cars, and toys, I express personal conflicts, inspirations, dreams, and the quest for stability and beauty.
This body of work also challenges the dominant art movements of the 20th century. I juxtapose reality-based figuration with abstract minimalism, creating a dialogue between these historically significant schools. By employing varied techniques, I bridge the gap between these approaches, forging a unique artistic path.
My process involves isolating objects from their environments to highlight their inherent qualities. This separation allows for a renewed focus on the design and spatial existence of each item, inviting viewers to rediscover their meanings.
Inspired by objects with personal significance, whether aspirational or visually captivating, my paintings reflect a meticulous construction process. As a multidisciplinary artist, I approach each painting as a sculptor, building it piece by piece. My goal is for viewers to sense this deliberate construction and appreciate the cohesive whole.