Eternal Life

From childhood, artist Lee Doo-ri has cultivated over 20 years of experience in aquarium life, raising ornamental fish. Through close observation within aquariums, she has gained insight into the cycles of life, the mysteries of nature, and the inherent rules that govern it—seeing in them a reflection of human life itself.

Her artistic world is grounded in the philosophy of reincarnation, addressing mythological concepts and enlightenment rooted in human karma. At the center of her work appears the Asian Arowana, a recurring subject imbued with layered meanings.

The Asian Arowana, a large freshwater ornamental fish native to Southeast Asia (China, Myanmar, Malaysia, etc.), is renowned for its dragon-like appearance, rarity, and high value. Growing up to one meter in length, it is categorized by the color of its scales—gold (Golden Arowana), red (Red Arowana), or silver (Silver Arowana). Each hue carries symbolic meanings of wealth, health, and protection against evil spirits.

Known as a mouthbrooder, the male incubates and hatches eggs in its mouth, which has given rise to the nickname “the dragon holding a pearl”. Classified as an endangered species, the Asian Arowana is internationally protected; its importation and trade are prohibited without governmental approval. Revered as the “Emperor’s Fish” among ornamental species, it carries exceptional significance for its symbolism, rarity, and the difficulty of its care.

In Lee’s works, these qualities become a medium through which the Arowana embodies a sacred, talismanic force. It appears not only as a spiritual being that channels divine will but also as a guide or messenger traversing between this world and the next, carrying with it the aura of eternal life.