Meet Paul Art Lee of Buena Park

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Art Lee.

Hi Paul Art, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Paul Art Lee (Korean-American, born 1962)
I am a Korean-American artist and pastor born in Seoul, Korea and currently living in California, USA. He graduated from Chugye University for the Arts and studied orthodox Calvinist theology at Chongshin University in the United States, where he received a Master of Divinity (M.Div.), a Master of Theology (Th.M.), and a Doctor of Theology (D.Min.).

Faith and Art Journey
I started drawing when I was six years old and officially debuted as an artist in 1984. With a thirst for spiritual freedom, peace, and love, I presented a performance art piece in 1986 as an act of surrendering my inner conflict to God. After that, I had a long period of waiting for healing and recovery.

In 1995, I completely stopped my artistic pursuits and focused more on teaching and becoming more deeply involved in my faith.

After moving to the United States in 2004, I became a pastor. I dedicated myself to serving others, teaching art to students and people with disabilities, and supporting the homeless through outreach. In February 2023, I returned to my artistic pursuits with a new purpose and began a new series called Light of Life, inspired by Isaiah 60:1-3 and John 1:4.

Artistic Vision
My work is at the intersection of spiritual art and postmodernism. Rooted in Christian theology, my art centers around themes of divine light, love, and grace. I express the message of the Bible clearly and emotionally through a contemporary visual language, and I am a unique voice in contemporary Christian art.
Unlike many artists who encapsulate spirituality through abstraction, I visualize the gospel directly. I integrate the reality of human and natural existence with spiritual truth. This combination creates a powerful visual experience that evokes peace, healing, and God’s saving love. My work not only carries on the legacy of Christian art, but also has a meaningful presence within the broader history of religious and cultural art.

Style and Technique
My artistic style harmoniously blends realism, symbolism, and abstraction. I skillfully depict objects with captivating forms and dazzling colors, giving each piece a narrative depth. Over time, my work evokes multi-layered interpretations, evoking deep emotional empathy and suggesting long-term historical and artistic value.

Exhibitions and Global Influence
Since resuming my career as an artist in 2023, I have exhibited my work internationally in galleries, museums, art fairs, and competitions. I have actively participated in exhibitions held throughout Europe, including France, Italy, and Austria, as well as in Korea and the United States, establishing myself as a leading figure in contemporary art.

I continue to inspire and move audiences around the world with my visually compelling works that combine aesthetic beauty with spiritual and emotional depth.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I began drawing at the age of six and officially debuted as an artist in 1984.
Thirsting for spiritual freedom, peace, and love, I presented a performance art piece in 1986 as an act of surrendering my inner conflict to God.
After that, I went through a long period of waiting for healing and recovery.

In 1995, I stopped my artistic activities completely and focused on teaching, deepening my faith.

In 2004, I immigrated to the United States and became a pastor.
I dedicated myself to serving others, teaching art to students and the disabled, and supporting the homeless through outreach.
In February 2023, I returned to my artistic activities with a new purpose and began a new series, , inspired by Isaiah 60:1-3 and John 1:4.
It was a triumph in a life of confusion.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As mentioned above, I became a pastor after moving to the United States in 2004.
I have dedicated myself to serving others, teaching art to students and the disabled, and supporting the homeless through outreach.

My artistic practice exists at the intersection of spiritual art and postmodernism.
Rooted in Christian theology, my art focuses on themes of divine light, love, and grace.
I present biblical messages with clarity and emotional depth through contemporary visual language, giving me a unique voice within contemporary Christian art.

Unlike many artists who suggest spirituality through abstraction, I visualize the gospel directly.
I integrate the reality of human and natural existence with spiritual truth. This combination creates powerful visual experiences that evoke peace, healing, and God’s saving love.
My work not only continues the legacy of Christian art, but also asserts its place in the broader history of religious and cultural art.

My bright, spiritual colors are reminiscent of Chagall and Matisse, though my style is unique.
My work combines intensity and tranquility, and offers visual rhythms that gently lead to spiritual reflection and emotional healing.

Since resuming my career in 2023, I have exhibited my work internationally in galleries, museums, art fairs, and competitions.
I have actively participated in exhibitions held throughout Europe, including France, Italy, and Austria, as well as in Korea and the United States, establishing myself as a leading figure in contemporary art.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
In 2025, I received a bronze medal at the Salon Capital in France, and a few days ago, I received a gold medal at the international competition “Color Exhibition”.

In May, I was invited to the Canne Biennale, where I received favorable reviews, and in October, I was invited to exhibit four works at the Florence Biennale.

Currently, I am participating in the Fukuoka Art Museum in Japan and the Fine Art Biennale Basel in Switzerland.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.paulartlee.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulartlee/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulartlee
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMrtoVWYT0KxbOpUFUX0I3w