Project Title: Swirly Sculptures by Lee Sangsoo
Original Design: Swirly Sculptures by Lee Sangsoo is a captivating series of contemporary sculptures known for their sinuous, ribbon-like shapes that twist and loop in seemingly gravity-defying ways. Using primarily metal, Sangsoo sculpts continuous, fluid lines that curl into the air, defying the material’s rigidity. These pieces, often polished to a mirror-like sheen, reflect their surroundings and create dynamic visual interactions as light bounces off the curved surfaces. The fluidity of the forms gives the sculptures an almost kinetic energy, as if they are in constant motion despite being fixed in place.
Creation Year: Various pieces created throughout the 2010s and 2020s
Creation Location: Seoul, South Korea
Read This if you are Into: Contemporary sculpture, minimalist and abstract art, kinetic art, spatial perception, the fusion of strength and delicacy in form, and the work of Korean contemporary artists.
Why is this important: Lee Sangsoo’s Swirly Sculptures are remarkable for their ability to make metal appear weightless and fluid, blurring the line between solid and void. His manipulation of material and form challenges traditional sculptural techniques, creating works that feel spontaneous and alive, despite the fixed nature of their medium. The interplay of light, shadow, and reflection in these sculptures adds to their dynamic presence, constantly shifting the viewer’s perception of space. By pushing the boundaries of form and material, Lee Sangsoo contributes to the evolution of contemporary sculpture, demonstrating how simplicity in design can evoke complexity in experience. His work speaks to a broader conversation about how art interacts with its environment, offering viewers a fresh perspective on the potential of metal as a sculptural medium.