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About the artwork

With a more classic and recognisable silhouette, this piece leans closer to the archetype of the pine tree. Its structure feels familiar, evoking traditional imagery while maintaining a contemporary execution. The copper pipes are arranged in a way that highlights both form and texture, reinforcing the illusion of organic growth. There is a timeless quality to the work—it feels rooted in history, yet undeniably modern. This balance makes it particularly accessible, bridging past and present through a form that resonates across contexts.

About the artist

For decades, Lee Gil Rae has used nature as his muse and crafted sculptures from steel and copper pipes. In his persistent need to create organic forms Lee Gil-Rae takes it one step further in creating man-made nature. His works consist of surreal, leafless forests that one can meander into, with spiralling branches that are unnatural in structure but organic in aesthetic. These draw the viewer in to witness the intricate exteriors that mimic the curves and notches of aged tree bark. His sprawling branches fan out and are tipped with wisps of copper representing the needles of the pine trees, in true homage to Mother Nature. With rapid deforestation, Lee Gil-Rae's trees narrate the artificial nature that city dwellers so closely identify with. The man-made and constructed simulation of nature is apparent in all towns and cities. Nature is removed and confined to make room for the ever-expanding population.