Lee Gil Rae graduated from Kyunghee University after studying in the Department of Art Education, later pursuing a Master’s in the Discipline of Sculpture. For decades, Lee has used the natural world as his muse, crafting sculptures from steel and copper pipes. In an era of rapid deforestation, Lee Gil Rae's works explore the concept of an “artificial nature”, a version of nature that city dwellers closely recognise and resonate with.
Driven by a persistent need to create organic forms, Lee Gil Rae takes it one step further in creating man-made nature. His installations consist of surreal, leafless forests that invite the viewer to meander through spiralling branches, both industrial in structure and organic in aesthetic. Close inspection reveals intricate surfaces that meticulously mimic the curve and notches of aged bark. Sprawling branches fan outward, tipped with copper wisps that evoke pine needles in a homage to Mother Nature.
Lee Gil Rae’s process is deeply symbolic and intentional. He deconstructs the pine tree, strong and full of vitality even in barren land, into its fundamental form and most natural state. The use of copper resembles the texture of bark. It also creates exquisite shapes that transform the aesthetic properties of an organic plant into something contemporary and industrial.
Lee’s work is held in prestigious permanent collections worldwide, including the Seoul Museum of Art, the Samsung Foundation of Culture and the National Museum of Contemporary Art (South Korea). His global exhibition history reflects a broad, cross-cultural appeal, with major shows spanning from New York City, Rome and Dubai to Hong Kong and Singapore. Across these diverse markets, Lee’s sculptures offer a universal dialogue between East Asian heritage and global contemporary practice.
Artist Statement
My concept for the Tree Series is to depict trees at their strongest and fullest vitality. It can be said that the shape of trees as natural objects expands one's vision of nature and an Oriental mise-en-scene is created through the laborious and intensive weaving process.