Primitive Forms Combine With Industrial Materials In Sisan Lee’s Proportions Of Stone

Consisting of functional pieces including tables, chairs, and shelving, ‘Proportions of Stone’ combines primitive, natural forms of stone with industrial and futuristic structures of steel. While the pieces are functional, they are equally sculptural in presence. The strong, geometric steel against the organic stone reveals an arresting juxtaposition of elements, simultaneously highlighting and questioning materiality. For Lee, the stone is the starting point for each piece and this is evident throughout—the steel appears to have formed around the organic object, mimicking the natural construction of its counterpart.

Stone and steel both symbolize strength and structure however the process of their making is very different. Steel, forged by heat and human intervention, is often sleek and precise in its finished state. Stone however, could be regarded as the epitome of natural forms; it is carved by the elements over thousands of years. Bringing together these natural and artificial elements could easily appear incongruous but in Lee’s work it is harmonious, with both elements appearing to strengthen one another. This unexpected balance also contributes to the structural integrity of the pieces—the stones provide weighted support, ensuring they stay grounded. This contrasting of elements is brought together through shared functionality: with each piece, Lee highlights a distinct visual tension whilst emphasizing a delicate coexistence.