Lee Gil Rae

Share

Share

Add fave

About the artwork

Marked by irregularity and character, this work embodies the passage of time more visibly. Its branching appears less uniform, suggesting a tree shaped by external forces and natural aging. The copper surface carries tonal variations that enhance this impression, evoking layers of history. There is a quiet solemnity in its presence, a reflective stillness that feels deeply grounded. Unlike more structured works, this piece embraces imperfection, capturing the beauty of endurance through change. It stands as a meditation on time, memory, and the quiet dignity of survival.

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.