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Somang Lee

The Living Line, 2022

Reproductions from watercolour drawings. 120gsm outdoor blueback paper. 2.14 x 146m

The Living Line is a site-specific commission by East London-based illustrator Somang Lee. It visualises the plants, birds and insects that can be discovered along the route of The Line, encouraging people to explore the wealth of wildlife in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and along the waterways.

During the development of the commission, Lee led workshops at Pudding Mill Allotments with Year 5 students from Carpenters School. The resulting drawings are featured in The Botanical Gallery at the centre of the installation.

Lee’s practice is informed by a love of nature and outdoor adventures. This installation provides intricate illustrations, as well as factual information, about local wildlife. By encouraging people to spend more time in nature, we hope that everyone will be motivated to protect it for the future.

“It has been wonderful to be able to work on this unique project. I have researched and illustrated the wealth of plant life and wildlife in the heart of East London to inspire others to engage with the natural world. I hope these illustrations show just how exciting and accessible the natural world can be even if we find ourselves in an urban environment.” – Somang Lee

For audio transcriptions, please click here.

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Biography

An award-winning illustrator, projection artist and nature lover based in London, Lee trained at Central Saint Martins School of Art and Design and the Royal College of Art. Her creative practice is informed by her love for nature and outdoor adventures and her aim is to create illustrations that are both beautiful and useful – making use of the wonder of nature, to inspire others to get out there and be part of it.

Previous projects include commissions for the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, Pavilion Books, Towner Eastbourne, South Downs National Park, Museum of London Archaeology, Warner Music, The Serpentine Gallery, Shindagha Museum, Heckfield Place, Breathe Magazine and The Times.

Birds on The Living Line
Insects on The Living Line
Flowers and Plants on The Living Line

WATCH: Somang Lee - The Living Line

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