Cultural attaché: Hye Rim Lee
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Hye Rim Lee with her work Crystal City Spun in the background. Photo / Paul Nathan
Hye Rim Lee's new exhibition, Swan Lake, is described as 'an immersive, dream-like digital reinterpretation of the classic 19th-century Tchaikovsky ballet'. The idea for the new work was sparked by a visit to Auckland's Western Springs, where the multimedia artist photographed swans during the 2020 Covid lockdown.
What is your earliest memory?
Dancing with my dad. I would stand on his feet and he'd hold my hands as we swayed together. I must have been so little but that feeling of love and safety has stayed with me.
I also remember the day he brought home a tiny spotted puppy when I was 7. He had her tucked inside his suit jacket like a little secret surprise. She was so small and delicate – we named her Merry. We already had a white spitz named Happy, so it really felt like the happiest time. Our home was full of love and life, shared with two dogs, two cats, a turtle named Tom, rabbits, baby chicks and a pair of birds. Those days felt simple and magical and I'll always hold them close.
What did you want to be when you were a kid?
I wanted to be a soprano. I started singing at age 3, and it was the only dream I ever had. My mum was an opera singer and trained me from a very young age. I even got into a top music school – Ewha Womans University in Seoul – as a voice major. Sadly, I lost my singing voice after a tonsil operation, but the love for music has never left me.
When were you happiest?
When I was singing, and also during the process of making art, especially when the work started to take shape just as I had imagined. There's joy in seeing creativity come to life.
If you weren't an artist, what would you do instead?
I'd be an actor or a chef.
What trait in yourself do you least like?
I tend to be a perfectionist, which can be both a strength and a challenge. Lately, I've been working on letting go of that mindset and learning to embrace imperfection with more grace.
What trait in others do you least like?
Being self-centred, arrogant, or flaky. I also find it hard to connect with people who are condescending, patronising, or lack empathy. These traits create distance and make genuine connection difficult.
What characteristics do you most value in your friends?
Kindness, empathy – and remembering my birthday. It's the little things that count.
What's the best gift you've ever given, and received?
My parents – they truly feel like a blessing from God. As for a memorable gift, my ex once gave me a Comme des Garçons dress for my birthday. It sparked my curiosity and led me to explore the designer's work, opening up a whole new world of fashion for me.
Swan Lake 2025, 4K 3D animation with surround sound, Hye Rim Lee, Christchurch Art Gallery. Photo / John Collie
What is your most treasured possession?
My mum's wedding ring – a delicate pearl ring that carries her love story with my dad. It holds deep emotional meaning for me. Another is my dad's old family photos. They capture a powerful legacy: my grandmother was one of the first women to graduate from Ewha Womans College, my grandfather was a Korean independence activist and my father was a pioneer of Korean theatre. These photos don't just show family, they reflect the strength, resilience, and cultural impact of their lives during Korea's turbulent history, from World War II through to the Korean War.
The title of your autobiography would be …
Hye Rim. My name means 'graceful forest', and that meaning reflects the purpose I strive towards in life: to grow into a forest of grace. The story is still unfolding, so the full autobiography will have to wait.
Which artwork could you look at endlessly?
Chagall's frescoes painted on the ceiling of the Opéra Garnier in Paris, everything of Michelangelo, Yinka Shonibare MBE's Addio del Passato, and Alex Prager's Despair.
What particular artistic talent would you like to have?
3D animation. Sounds like an irony, but dealing with animators can be difficult, as I need to convey what's in my head and have it portrayed in just the right way.
Natalie Portman in a scene from the film Black Swan. Photo / Supplied
What are your favourite films?
The Passion of the Christ, Mel Gibson; In the Mood for Love, Wong Kar-wai; The Skin I Live In, Pedro Almodóvar; and Black Swan, Darren Aronofsky. This film holds a special place in my heart, as it reminds me of the dynamic between my mum and I around our shared dream of being sopranos. My mum was a well-known soprano, but her singing career was sadly cut short as a result of surgery.
What has been your most enjoyable live theatre experience?
My dad's final and most meaningful production was Anton Chekhov's The Seagull, performed at the Korean National Theatre in Seoul in 1983. My dad, director Lee Jin-soon, is considered one of the founding figures of Korean theatre. During his career, he directed more than 200 productions, including plays, musical dramas, Korean traditional opera (changgeuk), Western opera, and dance theatre. The Seagull – one of Chekhov's four major plays and one of my dad's most cherished productions – delicately captures the complexity of human desire, frustration and limitation. The play uses the psychological tensions between characters to explore the deeper questions of life and art, a recurring theme in Chekhov's work.
What's been your most enjoyable live music experience?
A solo recital by Dame Joan Sutherland when I was 17 and studying voice. When I, as a young soprano, heard her breathtaking singing live, it was unforgettable – pure magic. After the performance, I had the incredible opportunity to meet her backstage and shake her hand. That moment left a lasting impression and continues to inspire me to this day.
What were your top songs in Spotify wrapped for 2024?
Phil Wickham, Angels; and Maria Callas, Casta Diva, from Bellini's opera Norma.
Abba's Dancing Queen is guaranteed to get Hye Rim Lee on the dance floor. Photo / Getty Images
What song always gets you dancing?
Abba's Dancing Queen, Michael Jackson's Billie Jean and Swan Lake!
Which streaming series/TV show would you recommend?
K drama – Mr. Sunshine. This drama series deeply reminded me of my dad's family during WWII. The protagonist's house brought back memories of my grandmother's home, and the storyline echoed my grandfather's journey – from being born into one of the wealthiest noble families, living in a 99-kan house to becoming an independence activist. Watching it felt like witnessing my grandfather's family life unfold on screen. And it's not just the cinematography; the martial arts choreography and acting are on another level. The whole production is truly powerful.
Which talent or skill do you wish you had?
I wish I had stronger skills in managing a company, especially when it comes to interpersonal relationship management at the director level. Leading people effectively while navigating complex dynamics is a talent I truly admire and aspire to develop. Also accounting. I used to be a maths queen at school, but somehow that brain seems not to work any more.
A good day starts with ….
Waking up to sunlight after a deep sleep. Then I take a few quiet moments for meditation with Lectio. After that, I treat myself to a cosy bowl of oatmeal – usually with blueberries, banana and walnuts. It's a simple, peaceful way to ease into the day.
Swan Lake, by Hye Rim Lee, is showing at the Christchurch Art Gallery until November 23.
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NZ Herald
3 days ago
- NZ Herald
Cultural attaché: Hye Rim Lee
Hye Rim Lee with her work Crystal City Spun in the background. Photo / Paul Nathan Reminder, this is a Premium article and requires a subscription to read. Listening to articles is free for open-access content—explore other articles or learn more about text-to-speech. Hye Rim Lee with her work Crystal City Spun in the background. Photo / Paul Nathan Hye Rim Lee's new exhibition, Swan Lake, is described as 'an immersive, dream-like digital reinterpretation of the classic 19th-century Tchaikovsky ballet'. The idea for the new work was sparked by a visit to Auckland's Western Springs, where the multimedia artist photographed swans during the 2020 Covid lockdown. What is your earliest memory? Dancing with my dad. I would stand on his feet and he'd hold my hands as we swayed together. I must have been so little but that feeling of love and safety has stayed with me. I also remember the day he brought home a tiny spotted puppy when I was 7. He had her tucked inside his suit jacket like a little secret surprise. She was so small and delicate – we named her Merry. We already had a white spitz named Happy, so it really felt like the happiest time. Our home was full of love and life, shared with two dogs, two cats, a turtle named Tom, rabbits, baby chicks and a pair of birds. Those days felt simple and magical and I'll always hold them close. What did you want to be when you were a kid? I wanted to be a soprano. I started singing at age 3, and it was the only dream I ever had. My mum was an opera singer and trained me from a very young age. I even got into a top music school – Ewha Womans University in Seoul – as a voice major. Sadly, I lost my singing voice after a tonsil operation, but the love for music has never left me. When were you happiest? When I was singing, and also during the process of making art, especially when the work started to take shape just as I had imagined. There's joy in seeing creativity come to life. If you weren't an artist, what would you do instead? I'd be an actor or a chef. What trait in yourself do you least like? I tend to be a perfectionist, which can be both a strength and a challenge. Lately, I've been working on letting go of that mindset and learning to embrace imperfection with more grace. What trait in others do you least like? Being self-centred, arrogant, or flaky. I also find it hard to connect with people who are condescending, patronising, or lack empathy. These traits create distance and make genuine connection difficult. What characteristics do you most value in your friends? Kindness, empathy – and remembering my birthday. It's the little things that count. What's the best gift you've ever given, and received? My parents – they truly feel like a blessing from God. As for a memorable gift, my ex once gave me a Comme des Garçons dress for my birthday. It sparked my curiosity and led me to explore the designer's work, opening up a whole new world of fashion for me. Swan Lake 2025, 4K 3D animation with surround sound, Hye Rim Lee, Christchurch Art Gallery. Photo / John Collie What is your most treasured possession? My mum's wedding ring – a delicate pearl ring that carries her love story with my dad. It holds deep emotional meaning for me. Another is my dad's old family photos. They capture a powerful legacy: my grandmother was one of the first women to graduate from Ewha Womans College, my grandfather was a Korean independence activist and my father was a pioneer of Korean theatre. These photos don't just show family, they reflect the strength, resilience, and cultural impact of their lives during Korea's turbulent history, from World War II through to the Korean War. The title of your autobiography would be … Hye Rim. My name means 'graceful forest', and that meaning reflects the purpose I strive towards in life: to grow into a forest of grace. The story is still unfolding, so the full autobiography will have to wait. Which artwork could you look at endlessly? Chagall's frescoes painted on the ceiling of the Opéra Garnier in Paris, everything of Michelangelo, Yinka Shonibare MBE's Addio del Passato, and Alex Prager's Despair. What particular artistic talent would you like to have? 3D animation. Sounds like an irony, but dealing with animators can be difficult, as I need to convey what's in my head and have it portrayed in just the right way. Natalie Portman in a scene from the film Black Swan. Photo / Supplied What are your favourite films? The Passion of the Christ, Mel Gibson; In the Mood for Love, Wong Kar-wai; The Skin I Live In, Pedro Almodóvar; and Black Swan, Darren Aronofsky. This film holds a special place in my heart, as it reminds me of the dynamic between my mum and I around our shared dream of being sopranos. My mum was a well-known soprano, but her singing career was sadly cut short as a result of surgery. What has been your most enjoyable live theatre experience? My dad's final and most meaningful production was Anton Chekhov's The Seagull, performed at the Korean National Theatre in Seoul in 1983. My dad, director Lee Jin-soon, is considered one of the founding figures of Korean theatre. During his career, he directed more than 200 productions, including plays, musical dramas, Korean traditional opera (changgeuk), Western opera, and dance theatre. The Seagull – one of Chekhov's four major plays and one of my dad's most cherished productions – delicately captures the complexity of human desire, frustration and limitation. The play uses the psychological tensions between characters to explore the deeper questions of life and art, a recurring theme in Chekhov's work. What's been your most enjoyable live music experience? A solo recital by Dame Joan Sutherland when I was 17 and studying voice. When I, as a young soprano, heard her breathtaking singing live, it was unforgettable – pure magic. After the performance, I had the incredible opportunity to meet her backstage and shake her hand. That moment left a lasting impression and continues to inspire me to this day. What were your top songs in Spotify wrapped for 2024? Phil Wickham, Angels; and Maria Callas, Casta Diva, from Bellini's opera Norma. Abba's Dancing Queen is guaranteed to get Hye Rim Lee on the dance floor. Photo / Getty Images What song always gets you dancing? Abba's Dancing Queen, Michael Jackson's Billie Jean and Swan Lake! Which streaming series/TV show would you recommend? K drama – Mr. Sunshine. This drama series deeply reminded me of my dad's family during WWII. The protagonist's house brought back memories of my grandmother's home, and the storyline echoed my grandfather's journey – from being born into one of the wealthiest noble families, living in a 99-kan house to becoming an independence activist. Watching it felt like witnessing my grandfather's family life unfold on screen. And it's not just the cinematography; the martial arts choreography and acting are on another level. The whole production is truly powerful. Which talent or skill do you wish you had? I wish I had stronger skills in managing a company, especially when it comes to interpersonal relationship management at the director level. Leading people effectively while navigating complex dynamics is a talent I truly admire and aspire to develop. Also accounting. I used to be a maths queen at school, but somehow that brain seems not to work any more. A good day starts with …. Waking up to sunlight after a deep sleep. Then I take a few quiet moments for meditation with Lectio. After that, I treat myself to a cosy bowl of oatmeal – usually with blueberries, banana and walnuts. It's a simple, peaceful way to ease into the day. Swan Lake, by Hye Rim Lee, is showing at the Christchurch Art Gallery until November 23.
Otago Daily Times
5 days ago
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Helping music venues stand test of time
Aaron Hawkins says grassroots venues need to survive year round. Photo: supplied A former Dunedin mayor is amplifying the importance of small stages. Independent Music Venues Aotearoa has appointed Aaron Hawkins as its co-chairman. The organisation grew from the grassroots Save Our Venues campaigns, which raised funds for live music venues threatened with permanent closure during Covid-19 restrictions. His goal as co-chairman of the organisation was to help independent venues become financially sustainable in difficult times. "The alternative, that they be allowed to fail, does not bear thinking about." He speculated whether British band The Beatles would even exist without Liverpool's legendary Cavern Club, a venue central to the band's early years. Comparing stadium tours with local gigs, he said big shows can create opportunities for grassroots music communities. "Especially if something like 'Michael's Rule' is enforced, which requires international headliners to book local support bands. "It is also a good chance for our local crews and technicians to upskill themselves on a bigger scale," he said. Funders and audiences needed to ensure their support did not further jeopardise independent music venues. "We need our grassroots venues to survive year-round and that is only getting harder between rising costs, people having less spare change and a gradual shift towards a healthier relationship with alcohol." Commenting on the Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill, which seeks to narrow councils' focus to core services, he said local government was the country's largest contributor to the creative sector. Mr Hawkins said the government was trying to impose its priorities through financial and legislative pressure, a move he expected would draw strong pushback in Ōtepoti and around the motu. "Dunedin has a long and proud history of supporting both artists and audiences alike."
The Spinoff
7 days ago
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Three ways of eating, bound together in one perfect room
At Amuse Snack Bar, the lines between ambition, tradition and comfort blur into something extraordinary. There are so many different reasons to eat out, and so many different ways to enjoy restaurants. I am not ashamed to admit that I absolutely adore it when a chef gets all silly and cheffy, mucking about with produce in ways I never thought possible. You know the kind of place: all manner of things being dehydrated, rehydrated, fermented and pickled. A three-word description on the menu in a sans serif font. In the middle, there are those places that do it traditionally in the very best sense of the word. Parfaits worth their weight in silk next to sauces so shiny magpies tap at the window to get at them. Recipes from a hundred years ago brought up to date. And then there are places you pop into because you know it's honest, proper food. That cafe that spreads actual butter thickly right up to the edges of fresh bread, a pot of pickles next to everything, because of course you want pickles. A whole ham on the bone cooked up at the start of the week for sandwiches and salads. Sometimes, we get all three in one. We get Amuse Snack Bar at the top of Willis Street. Opened by Dori Raphael in March, Amuse is the culmination of a life of hospitality experience and the realisation of a dream she has held for years. Born in London, she moved to Aotearoa at the age of 15 and dedicated most of her life to music. Travelling the world and ending up back in London studying for her masters in music, the one constant was service. She worked the floor at the famous Strawberry Fare in Wellington, then went on to work at the historic Poilâne bakery in London and found a home among the all-female staff at 26 Grains in Neal's Yard, where she was head barista for two years. When Covid hit, she moved home and began planning for a new challenge. Roles at People's Coffee and Hillside rounded off her training, and in 2025, she decided the time was right to take the leap. Situated on the ground floor of a university hall of residence, the space itself is Tardis-like. To walk through the door is to enter somewhere totally unexpected, like your eyes have glitched momentarily from the urban sprawl of upper Willis Street and into a historic space somewhere in Italy. A concrete room, which, in the wrong hands, could feel clinical and unlived in, becomes warm and right. Antique furniture and jars of ferments and pickles fill the space, the kitchen and pantry jutting out into the room. Anyone who has spent any time in either France or England will know of the jambon beurre, a sandwich so simple that there is simply nowhere to hide. Bread, butter, ham and cornichons. That is it. Here, the bread is a traditional demi-baguette. It is golden and blistered with two small burnt ends to nibble away at. The butter has been whipped up until it is light and frothy and spiked liberally with sea salt. Next, Raphael braises ham hocks before shredding the meat away, leaving something fatty and salty and intensely decadent. A final peppering of sharp cornichons finishes the whole thing off. This is a truly world-class version of an iconic sandwich. This is no fluke; all of the sandwiches are beyond anything this city has seen before. Egg mayonnaise is laced with tarragon and chives and served on a plump brioche roll with a fistful of greens. Salmon is cured in beetroot before it is cut generously and served on seeded bread with cream cheese and greens. There is the Snack Plate. Yes, I am putting it in capital letters, for it is singular and profound and deserves to be recognised as such. It is the lunch we all dream of; a plate filled elegantly with all manner of picky things. There are wedges of properly crumbly cheese stacked up next to a little bunch of red grapes and a pot of brightly coloured pickles. A fistful of chopped salad full of red cabbage, greens, chewy grains and thinly sliced radish. Tomatoes dressed simply in salt and oil, a thick smudge of salty butter and a chutney that is the spirit of a European Christmas distilled down into something spreadable. All this next to four doorstop slices of their homemade malt and seed sourdough. You can add house-cured salmon, that ham hock or other bits. For me, I can't quite get past the nostalgia of a thinly sliced boiled egg. This all sounds so simple and comforting, which is why the eating is quite so magical – like going to your gran's for lunch, but your gran just so happens to be one of the best chefs in the world. Come four o'clock, the menu changes – the amenable and polite Dr Jekyll changes form and a rambunctious Mr Hyde appears. I'm handed a menu consisting of small plates, platters, bar nibbles and a comprehensive, curated drinks list. A couple of decent bottles from Aotearoa and a few Italian gems. Cans of craft beer from across the country and a tight roster of classic aperitivo. Of all of these, it is most difficult to look past the good selection of vermouth that comes served over ice and topped up with a light soda. You can almost hear the dominoes being tapped down on the tables by the old gentlemen while the nonnas fuss around. The small plates, much like everything else here, are so good they defy logic, expectation and all common sense. Take the rillettes with pickled cherries. Pork and duck rendered down in the oven for hours with spices and aromats before being set in a pleasing tower. On its own it is bold and wintry with big chunks of shredded meat rippled with fat. On the plate whole, and in a liquor such a deep and vibrant red that it feels as though you have accidentally stumbled on the aftermath of some terrible crime, they are all things sweet and spiced and sharp that the terrine is not. The list of brilliance is endless. There is a mushroom parfait, lighter than is strictly possible and served with foraged mushrooms. Platters are beautiful and invoke a sense of childlike wonder, like walking through the forest with your family: cheese and cured meats nestle among pickled artichokes and seeds that have been baked in honey and are now sweet. A roulade has been made here and is enriched with tarragon and rosemary folded through. An artichoke dip sits in the centre and is a molten pot of pure luxury, and all of that bread in a pile to one side. Some places in this world truly confound my understanding of what food and eating out can be. Amuse is a room I think about every time the opportunity to eat out comes up and a space I find myself spending more and more time in each week. It is not one single thing, but rather every single last microscopic thing I love about eating out all somehow bound tightly together in one room.
