Female Voices in Art: Sook-Kyung Lee, Director of the Whitworth and Professor of Curatorial Practices of the University of Manchester
“It is great that there are many women in art and I would like to see more diversity in the art world and the wider society.”
Sook-Kyung Lee (b. 1969 Seoul, Korea) has been Director of the Whitworth and Professor of Curatorial Practices of the University of Manchester since 2023. She was previously Senior Curator, International Art at Tate Modern and Curator, Exhibitions & Displays at Tate Liverpool. Lee also headed Hyundai Tate Research Centre: Transnational at Tate. She holds a BA and MA in Art History & Theory from Hong-ik University, Korea, an MA in Arts Criticism from the City, University of London, and a PhD in Art History & Theory from the University of Essex, UK. Lee served as Artistic Director of the 14th Gwangju Biennale, Commissioner & Curator of Korea Pavilion of the 56th Venice Biennale, and Curator of Japan Pavilion of the 60th Venice Biennale.
Could you tell us something about your role in the art world?
I’ve been curating contemporary art internationally for 30 years, and now am leading a university museum that holds transhistorical collection of art, textiles and wallpaper. My interest in global art history feels more relevant than ever, in this well-connected, increasingly globalised art world.
What did you enjoy about being a part of this project?
I was fascinated by Carla’s personal yet highly informed approach to the genre of portrait, and the way this project highlights many different stories of women working in the art world.
Do you have a favourite artist?
Not one, but many, which changes quite often and regularly.
What is your earliest memory involving art?
One very strong and formative memory I have is watching Nam June Paik’s Good Morning, Mr Orwell on the first day of January in 1984. I was surprised and excited by the fact that an artwork could be a TV programme, and also by the colourful and dynamic visual images on the screen.
Do you have any special thoughts about the position of women in the art world?
It is great that there are many women in art and I would like to see more diversity in the art world and the wider society.
What are you wearing, and is there a story behind it?
Nothing noteworthy, as I was not expecting to be photographed but persuaded to do so by Carla.
What are you currently working on?
As a new director, I’m making plans for some years ahead, focusing on themes that resonate with our time and place, such as ecology, decoloniality and resistance. I am interested in strengthening the Whitworth’s social connections and impacts through multiple global perspectives and partnerships, while positioning Manchester’s people and history at the centre.
Could you mention a project, an institution that, or a person who has been important or inspiring for your career and why?
Working at Tate for 16 years was formative in learning the value of art in different communities and cultures. Researching, acquiring, presenting art from across the world was a privilege as well as a challenge, and I am proud to have been an integral part of Tate’s journey to be a global institution that champions art and artist.
