Solji Lee builds fantastical worlds using surprisingly quotidian details

Solji Lee was born and raised in South Korea, before moving to Paris in 2016 to study illustration and concept art at École Jean Trubert. Still based in the French capital, she has made a career for herself out of illustrating book covers, advertising campaigns, record cover art, and editorial pieces. Working in a commercial capacity, Solji’s style comes through clearly, characterised by maximalist compositions and a vibrant colour palette. However, it is in her personal projects that the illustrator really lets loose.

“For me, personal work is an opportunity to explore my aesthetic language and universe, and commissioned work is a way to communicate with other worlds beyond myself,” Solji explains. In her personal pieces the fantastical elements, which the illustrator describes as integral to her approach come to the fore. Ironically composed of quotidian objects (such as cups, chairs, books, food and statues), when brought together in her intricately woven artworks, and accompanied by subtle yet evocative symbols, they appear to take on a deeper meaning. “I really love constructing a surrealistic world with realistic elements,” continues Solji. “They are all based on details from the real, ordinary life we live — to me, it’s a way of expanding and interpreting our lives.”