Jae Hyo Lee

Overall in excellent condition. The surfaces of the panels are comprised of charred wood. Small amounts of the char when touched will come off on one’s hands, which is inherent to the design. The letters are executed on single or multiple nails which have been shaped, bent and filed and almost float approximately two inches off the charred wood surface. Please see the detailed photograph of the panel that appears in the front of the auction catalogue for a closer view at this artistic and detailed surface. The nails with a few very minor surface scratches, which are possibly inherent in the making. This column-shaped work is comprised of four unique panels which can be arranged in any configuration according to the artist. An exquisite and complex large-scaled sculpture by the artist displaying extraordinarily intricate detailing.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Born in 1965 in Korea, Jae Hyo Lee focuses his work on the use of natural materials in atmospheric and often large sculpture installations.  His materials range from wood to leaves to iron nails, and his precision in manipulating these materials produces a unique sense of texture, movement and mood.  The present offering displays iron letters of the western alphabet jumbled together in a large scale sculpture that towers over the viewer.  As with many of his sculptures, Lee takes traditional, recognizable forms associated with the everyday (in this case the alphabet) and reappropriates them—the resulting sculpture detaches the visual effect of the letters from their signified linguistic meaning, rendering them purely formal.  Lee has been recognized in the contemporary art world through many solo exhibitions and cultural awards, and his work has been acquired by museum collections in Asia, the United Kingdom and the United States.