Don’t have a pet? Lee Sangsoo’s swirly sculptures are the next best thing

Although known for his abstract portraits and grand scale murals, among Picasso’s lesser known works exist a whole array of animal sketches drawn with simple, minimal lines. It is these very drawings that inspired Lee Sangsoo, compelling him to create a series of works based on the parred back drawings. But, Lee has some different ideas for medium and presentation: “I wanted to reproduce them in a space rather than on canvas,” the Seoul-based artist details.

First, Lee sketches the general shape and “flow” of his piece in two-dimensional format in his sketchbook. Then, the sculptures are realised with differing thicknesses of metal piping which (very importantly) is square shaped. This square shape combined with the rounded, curved movements Lee creates not only builds a unique visual shape, it also allows for a more experimental and dynamic use of colour. In Lee’s rendition of a dachshund, for example, two sides have been painted in brown and two in black to create the effect of mottled fur, while his siamese cat’s gradient painted legs make the breed instantly recognisable. These sculptures may not fill the hole of a petless home, but they certainly come close.