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South Korean artist Me Kyeoung Lee sees beauty even in mundane everyday objects. Her sketches of local convenience stores are a charming and skillful take on what other people might miss out.

Lee has been documenting these little corner shops for the past 20 years. “There were not many things to see and play like these days,” says the artist about her youth. “But there was a time when I was happy to have a coin in my hands and run to a shop and hang out with friends gathered in front of it.”

The artist usually picks a muted, pastel color palette for her acrylic ink sketches. She draws attention to the welcoming facades, stacked shelves, and friendly gardens outside. Each scene has its own unique features and no two look alike.

For an outsider, such importance of convenience stores may seem odd, but considering their striking abundance in South Korea (33,000 exist today), it’s natural that locals view them not as buildings, but more like an integral part of culture.

More info: leemk.com (h/t: demilked)

#1

South Korean Store Drawings

Me Kyeoung Lee Report

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    #2

    South Korean Store Drawings

    Me Kyeoung Lee Report

    Alexis Alexandra
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Such a lovely composition...I love the detail and overall beauty of these wonderful paintings!

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    #3

    South Korean Store Drawings

    Me Kyeoung Lee Report

    Jae Wong
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's so detailed. It's amazing art.

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    South Korean Store Drawings

    Me Kyeoung Lee Report

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    #6

    South Korean Store Drawings

    Me Kyeoung Lee Report

    Alexis Alexandra
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The tulip tree in this one is amazing....love it!

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    #7

    South Korean Store Drawings

    Me Kyeoung Lee Report

    #8

    South Korean Store Drawings

    Me Kyeoung Lee Report

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    South Korean Store Drawings

    Me Kyeoung Lee Report

    #11

    South Korean Store Drawings

    Me Kyeoung Lee Report

    Daria B
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one reminds me of the one in Gangneung nearby behind Coffee Story.

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    #12

    South Korean Store Drawings

    Me Kyeoung Lee Report

    Roxana Milea
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just amazing...all of them...amazing!

    #13

    South Korean Store Drawings

    Me Kyeoung Lee Report

    Rozita Rosli
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The artist is so lucky to be blessed with such talent.

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    #14

    South Korean Store Drawings

    Me Kyeoung Lee Report

    Becca Britton
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow, she should put a book together.. all the art, and little stories to get with each one.. I'd buy it. Lovely work.

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