Korean paper and octopus ink: Yubin Lee wins Blauwe Golven Award 2025
- Fine Art
- ArtEZ Prizewinner
Yubin Lee just graduated from BEAR Fine Art. Winning the Blauwe Golven Award marks her very first step beyond the academy. The award is a yearly initiative by the City of Arnhem, Krachtstroom026, Omstand, and RUIS.
Open and inquisitive
Yubin creates work that resonates. It raises questions. It invites wonder. The jury praised her use of materials and her curious, open attitude. She embraces new ideas and the unknown.
Her practice is multidisciplinary. She works with materials that connect deeply to her identity. Like Hanji (Korean paper), octopus ink, and rice paper. Through these, she links the personal to broader societal themes.
The award offers Yubin a studio for one year at creative hub Krachtstroom026. She’ll receive tailored guidance from Omstand and RUIS. And conclude with a solo exhibition at RUIS in Nijmegen.
Courtesy of the artist and BEAR Fine Art \ ArtEZ, Arnhem. Photo by Django van Ardenne
First steps as a professional artist
The award is named after the iconic artwork Blauwe Golven by Peter Struycken. To be seen outside ArtEZ’s front doors. It marks a transition: from study to practice, from inside to outside.
The Blauwe Golven symbolise imagination and initiative. Exactly what emerging artists need in an increasingly complex world.