Nikki S. Lee is a Korean conceptual photographer whose work focuses on identity and social behavior by integrating herself into various subcultures. She studied in the United States and has created notable series like "The Projects" and "Parts". Her work is exhibited internationally and challenges the boundaries between self and community.
Nikki S. Lee is a Korean conceptual photographer known for her unique approach of immersing herself in various subcultures. Born in 1970 in Korea, she moved to the United States to study at the Fashion Institute of Technology and later earned a Master's degree from the New York University.
Lee's work often examines issues of identity and social behavior. One of her most notable series is "The Projects," where she transformed herself to blend in with different New York City housing project communities, documenting the experiences through photographs.
Another prominent series by Lee is "Parts," where she poses in snapshots with a male partner, then later cuts him out of the photos to highlight her transformation and the role relationships play in personal identity. Her works are exhibited in numerous prestigious venues, such as the Museum of Contemporary Photography, Chicago, and Guggenheim Museum.
Lee's unique method of integrating art with anthropology has received both criticism and praise, providing a fresh perspective on the boundaries and connections between self and community within contemporary society.