2 + 3 ≠ 5

dmincubator 

New York, NY

October 2026

Paintings by So Lee engages in a playful dialogue and a sincere reflection about the joy of discovery and accumulation in a duo exhibition titled, “2 + 3 ≠ 5,” at dmincubator. Curated by Daniela Mercuri, the exhibition features five works by So Lee. An opening reception will be held on October 1, from 6 to 8 pm.

Throughout life, people have hobbies in collecting, and the artifacts that they come to possess carry meanings and stories. Sometimes we receive the objects as gifts. Other times, we treat ourselves to the acquisition for self pleasure in pursuit of immediate gratification or investment for the future, seeking delayed gratification. 

So Lee makes paintings that visually and psychologically explore childhood and domestic environments. In the paintings presented at this exhibition, Lee’s protagonists all engage with discovery or accumulation of objects or experiences; for example, “Ornaments” (2025) and “Post Cards” (2025) depict a child touching a box of Christmas ornaments and looking through a pile of post cards. These objects carry religious symbolism and iconography, as well as aesthetic experience, all of which contribute to the formation of memory and early psychology during childhood. 

Amongst the five works by So Lee, we find a conversation about discovery and accumulation. So Lee’s paintings highlight the small encounters in the distant early years of our existence, which give us meaning and a sense of identity. 

The lesson that we can learn from this is that the desire for material and financial gain within capitalism may not provide true meaning and happiness. Only the right person with the right posture and sensibility may discover and accumulate happiness and wonder, if they hold dear the very state of existence with gratitude and an innocent heart.