As the day of her exhibition approaches, I find myself in conversation with Jenny Lee, a fashion photographer and model whose thesis project, “Seeking My Style in the City,” opens at the SVA Gramercy Gallery. Jenny’s work vows to showcase her artistic journey and challenge viewers to consider their own identities through the lens of fashion.
Our connection began about a year ago during my guest lecture for the School of Visual Arts’ i3 Lecture Series. From the outset, Jenny impressed me with her enthusiasm and commitment to her craft. As we continued to converse, it became clear that her artistic journey was a profound exploration of self, influenced by her upbringing, experiences, and the vibrant culture of New York City.
Jenny Lee’s Early Life and Creative Beginnings
Jenny’s journey started far from the energy of Manhattan. Born in Minneapolis, she moved to Korea when her parents, both pursuing doctoral degrees, relocated. She describes her hometown of Suwon, located just outside Seoul, as a quieter counterpart to the busy streets of the capital—a kind of suburban landscape. “It’s like comparing Suwon to Seoul as New Jersey is to New York,” she explains, illustrating her perspective on the different vibes of the two places.
Growing up in a household where excellence was expected, Jenny often felt the pressure to conform to rigid standards. She candidly shares, “With both my parents being professors, I had to look perfect and act perfect.” This environment created a tension between her desire for creative expression and the reality of societal expectations.
In middle school, Jenny sought to enroll in a modeling program at an entertainment high school, which she ultimately did not get into due to her height. “I was dedicated to modeling,” she recalls, despite the setback. “Afterward, I moved to public high school, and it was hard to adjust.” Faced with this challenge, Jenny moved to the United States alone at fifteen, yearning for a fresh start—a reset. “My parents were supportive of this dream, but they were also realistic about the challenges,” she states.
Arriving in the U.S. was pivotal for Jenny, but it wasn’t without hurdles. “I felt out of place and lost at times. I had to catch up in school, learn to navigate a new culture, and find my footing.” But Jenny was determined. She immersed herself in her new surroundings, driven by a longing to express herself creatively.
Jenny found her voice at Penn State University, where she pursued her undergraduate degree. “I was heavily involved in Valley magazine,” she explains, recalling how she persistently sought opportunities. After many attempts to join the team, she was finally accepted as a photographer, an accomplishment Jenny celebrated as a major milestone. “It was like being welcomed into a family,” she says, reflecting on the camaraderie she built with her peers.
At Valley, she honed her skills and developed a strong work ethic. “I would knock on the doors of the magazine every year, asking how I could contribute,” she recalls. “Finally, I got my chance, and it was exhilarating.” This experience taught her the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the value of community. “The friendships I formed with other creatives were invaluable. They pushed me to experiment and think outside the box,” she reflects.
The Artistic Influence of NYC Fashion on Jenny’s Work
As Jenny approached graduation, her desire to study at a prestigious institution intensified. She felt a strong pull towards the fashion scene in New York. However, her professor, Lonnie, encouraged her to consider studying in California, emphasizing the relaxed atmosphere and potential for growth there. Despite his persuasive arguments, Jenny’s heart was set on New York. “I was ready for a war,” she asserts, confident in her decision. “I told him, ‘This is the first time I’m going to say no to you.’” Eventually, she applied only to the School of Visual Arts and Pratt, ultimately choosing SVA’s Masters in Digital Photography.
Her creativity flourished at SVA, and she began redefining her identity through her art. Her thesis project, “Seeking My Style in the City,” is a culmination of this exploration. “I have always felt that the sense of self is intrinsically linked to styles of dress,” Jenny explains. The project features street and studio self-portraits, each image created in partnership with established New York City fashion stylists and drawing inspiration from characters and motifs from TV, movies, magazines, and social media platforms. “Each image is also an instance of me ‘trying on’ different fashion-based personas, which I often take to a visual extreme to make a stronger statement,” she shares.
One of the most memorable series from her thesis is “Match Point Charms,” inspired by the film Challengers, featuring Zendaya. “Girly, charming, optimistic, and calm” best describe the personality Jenny aimed to convey in this photoshoot, where they transformed a regular tennis outfit into something more editorial. Styled by Mariela Suaya and captured by Zona Chen, this shoot allowed Jenny to play with creativity and expression. “It was about capturing that magnetic energy,” she states, reflecting on how she drew inspiration from the characters while infusing her own essence into the work.
In another standout series, “Denim and Pearls,” Jenny sought to juxtapose high fashion with urban grit. All-denim styling is one of my favorite ways of styling, so we wanted to incorporate as much denim as possible,” she explains. We also played with pearl chain purses to elevate the overall look.” Again, styled by Suaya and photographed by Chen, this collaboration showcased her ability to blend various textures and styles while staying true to her aesthetic.
Finally, the “Striker’s Attitude” series pushed Jenny out of her comfort zone. “This was my chance to dive into something unfamiliar,” she admits. Collaborating with her fashion director, she explored how to style soccer jerseys, successfully embodying the spirit of the sport and turning a personal challenge into a compelling visual narrative.
Jenny’s ability to push herself and take risks has been central to her growth as an artist. “I’ve learned that if you don’t challenge yourself, you’ll never discover your potential,” she says, her conviction evident. This mindset has not only shaped her work but has also fostered connections within the industry. “The people I’ve met along the way have been incredible,” she shares, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and mutual support in creative fields.
Throughout our conversation, it becomes clear that Jenny embodies an ethos of continuous learning. “Every experience, whether good or bad, is an opportunity to grow,” she emphasizes. “I approach my work as a non-stop learning experience.” This perspective allows her to remain open to new ideas and influences, enriching her artistic journey.
As our conversation nears its conclusion, I ask Jenny about her parents’ evolving perception of her career. Initially skeptical about her choice to pursue fashion, they have since become her biggest supporters. “When they visited for my graduation, it was a transformative moment,” she recalls, her voice tinged with emotion. “They saw the dedication I poured into my work, and for the first time, they understood who I am as a professional.”
In this moment of connection, Jenny reflects on the lessons learned and the values instilled by her parents. “They taught me that it’s not just about having dreams but about making them a reality,” she states. “My mom always emphasized the importance of responsibility and hard work. Those lessons have shaped my approach to everything I do.”
As Jenny prepares for her exhibition, she invites everyone to experience “In Flux,” where her work will be on display from October 9 to 26, 2024. “I hope people come and see not just my work but also my classmates’ projects,” she says, her passion radiating through her words. “Fashion is about connection—it’s about how we express who we are in this world.”
Jenny Lee’s journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience, the value of self-expression, and the beauty of embracing one’s identity. Her exhibition “In Flux” opens at the SVA Gramercy Gallery, inviting viewers to not only witness her artistic vision but also reflect on their own paths of self-discovery.
If you find yourself in New York City during this time, take the opportunity to visit and engage with the stories behind her captivating images. In an era where personal narratives intersect with broader societal dialogues, Jenny Lee’s work reminds us that authenticity and creativity can illuminate the way forward, both for ourselves and for those who walk alongside us on this journey.
TEAM
Creative Director: Jenny Lee
Photographer & Assistant:
Agen Xin
Zona Chen
Hedieh Sorouri
Fashion Director: Mariela Suaya
Fashion Stylist & Brands featured in:
Stylist for Brand #1: Megan Tischhauser
Brand #1: Tom & Tod
Brand #2: Laurence & Chico
Makeup Artist: Sang Le
Explore More
Visit https://www.jennyphotos.com or Follow @98jenjen on Instagram
