The Spatial Designer Crafting Immersive Narratives in Exhibition Design

Eunice Yunjeong Lee, a spatial designer, has consistently demonstrated her ability to transcend traditional exhibition formats, creating immersive experiences that resonate deeply with visitors. Her work on two prominent exhibitions at The Museum of Sex in New York—Self Power | Self Play: 50 Years of Erotic Portraiture by Linda Troeller and RADICAL PERVERTS: Ecstasy and Activism in Queer Public Space, 1975-2000—showcases her innovative approach to merging spatial design with cultural and thematic narratives.

Self Power | Self Play: 50 Years of Erotic Portraiture by Linda Troeller marked the first museum retrospective of the renowned photographer’s work in New York City. The exhibition, featuring over sixty photographs spanning half a century, delved into Troeller’s radical and playful approach to sensual empowerment. Eunice Yunjeong Lee’s role as the spatial designer for this exhibition was pivotal in shaping the visitor’s journey through Troeller’s world.

(Photo: Linda Troeller)

Eunice eschewed a conventional chronological layout in favor of grouping Troeller’s work according to spatial and thematic elements. One of the standout sections of the exhibition is situated towards the back, where photographs connected by the theme of water—whether in bathrooms or lakes—create an immersive experience. “The section towards the back predominantly features works connected by the theme of water, creating an immersive experience that invites viewers to step into her world,” Eunice explains. This thoughtful arrangement not only highlights the interconnectedness of Troeller’s themes but also enhances the visitor’s engagement by immersing them in a carefully curated environment that bridges natural landscapes and intimate interiors.

In designing Self Power | Self Play, Eunice faced the unique challenge of working exclusively with photographs, a task she found both refreshing and inspiring. Her meticulous attention to detail is evident in her selection of frame colors that seamlessly integrate the photographs into the surrounding space, amplifying the viewer’s connection to the work. Additionally, Eunice introduced tactile elements such as linen banners along the exhibition’s central axis and dynamic projections towards the rear, adding layers of vibrancy and movement to the visual experience. These design choices, coupled with Troeller’s evocative photographs, create a deeply engaging and immersive exhibition that resonates with visitors long after they leave.

At its core, Self Power | Self Play was a celebration of the female body and the right to pleasure, free from societal constraints or beauty standards. Troeller’s work defies cultural conventions that have long restricted women’s bodies and sexualities, challenging patriarchal notions of shame and asserting that ecstasy is a universal human experience.

Eunice Yunjeong Lee’s other previous project, RADICAL PERVERTS: Ecstasy and Activism in Queer Public Space, 1975-2000, further exemplifies her ability to integrate spatial design with cultural narratives. This exhibition, curated by Alexis Heller, explored the intersections of ecstasy and activism in queer public spaces, offering an immersive journey through a pivotal era in LGBTQ+ history.

(Photo credit to Jules Slutsky; Courtesy of the Museum of Sex)

Faced with a tight deadline for RADICAL PERVERTS, Eunice made quick yet deliberate design decisions, including the use of real tiles for a wall meant to evoke the atmosphere of a public restroom—an essential thematic element in the exhibition. Despite the higher costs and longer installation time, Eunice believed that the tactile quality and visual depth of real tiles were crucial in conveying the exhibition’s message.

(Photo credit to Jules Slutsky; Courtesy of the Museum of Sex)

Eunice Yunjeong Lee continues to push the boundaries of spatial design, crafting exhibitions that not only showcase art but also create immersive environments where visitors can connect with the narratives on a profound level. Her work at The Museum of Sex stands as a testament to her innovative approach and unwavering commitment to storytelling through design. Her latest works include "Looking at Andy Looking," curated by Greg Pierce, which features a collaboration with Pittsburgh’s Andy Warhol Museum, and "I Licked It, It’s Mine," curated by Ariel Plotek and Amanda Assaf. Both exhibitions are currently on view at the Museum of Sex remain open until early 2025.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes.