Lee ShinJa: Drawing with Thread

August 6, 2025–February 1, 2026

Lee ShinJa: Drawing with Thread is the first North American survey of the work of the historically under-recognized Korean artist Lee ShinJa (b. 1930, Uljin, South Korea; lives and works in Seoul). Spanning more than five decades, from the 1950s to the early 2000s, the exhibition showcases the artist’s bold innovations in fiber through forty monumental textile works, woven maquettes, and preparatory sketches.

Read full description
  • Installation view, Lee ShinJa: Drawing with Thread, 2025

  • Installation view, Lee ShinJa: Drawing with Thread, 2025

  • Installation view, Lee ShinJa: Drawing with Thread, 2025

  • Installation view, Lee ShinJa: Drawing with Thread, 2025

  • Upcoming
    Films
  • Past
    Films
  • Past
    Events

Past Events

  • Saturday, December 13, 11:30 AM–1 PM

    Gallery+Studio / Drawing with Thread

    With an emphasis on experimentation and process, explore different approaches to drawing with thread.

    For ages 6–12 with accompanying adult(s)

  • Sunday, December 7, 1 PM

    Simple Loom Weaving

    Take inspiration from the weavings on view in the exhibition Lee ShinJa: Drawing with Thread and learn how to use a lap loom to make a small weaving in this workshop with textile artists Stacey Sharman and Vanina Doce-Mood.

    Space is limited; first come, first served.

  • Thursday, December 4, 1:15 PM

    Curator’s Tour: Tausif Noor on Lee ShinJa: Drawing with Thread

    Curatorial Associate Tausif Noor offers an exhibition tour that focuses on the innovative methods—including knotting, weaving, and tapestry design—that Lee ShinJa used to produce her signature sculptural textile works.

  • Thursday, December 4, 5 PM

    Weaving Histories: Lee ShinJa’s Art from the 1950s to the 2000s

    In this illustrated lecture, Sunglim Kim, who specializes in Korean art from the premodern to contemporary periods, traces the artistic evolution of Lee ShinJa.

    Presented in partnership with UC Berkeley's Center for Korean Studies

  • Wednesday, September 17, 12:15 PM

    Curator's Tour: Victoria Sung on Lee ShinJa: Drawing with Thread

    BAMPFA Senior Curator Victoria Sung addresses ​the artist’s monumental textile works and the arc of her long and innovative career.

Past Films