Artist Creates Segmented Glass Sculptures Inspired By The Cell Division

Illinois-based artist Jiyong Lee creates segmented glass sculptures inspired by the cell division. He is fascinated with studies of the cell cycle, from the division to becoming a complete being, and creates these sculptures as a kind of tribute.

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The artworks, part of a series called Segmentation, are created without glass blowing or kilns, but instead through a labor-intensive process of cutting, sanding, laminating, and carving.

In his words “The segmentation series is inspired by my fascination with science of cell, its division and the journey of growth that starts from a single cell and goes through a million divisions to become a life. I work with glass that has transparency and translucency, two qualities that serve as perfect metaphors for what is known and unknown about life science. The segmented, geometrical forms of my work represent cells, embryos, biological and molecular structures—each symbolizing the building blocks of life as well as the starting point of life. The uniquely refined translucent glass surfaces suggest the mysterious qualities of cells and, on a larger scale, the cloudiness of their futures. The Segmentation series is subtle and quiet yet structurally complex.”