Looking for something?

Tap outside or press close

Segmented glass sculptures inspired by the growth of cells

In his colourful glass sculpture series Segmentation, Illinois-based artist Jiyong Lee is inspired by his fascination of the science behind cells, their division and the journey of growth that starts from a single cell and goes through a million divisions to become a life.

Written By:
All images courtesy of the artist. Via Creative Boom submission.

All images courtesy of the artist. Via Creative Boom submission.

He explains: "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 symbolising 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. I transform solid glass using cutting, lamination, carving, and surface refining processes to make art that is both beautiful and deeply invested with meaning."

Lee uses a special glass technique called 'cold-working' to create his segmented sculptures. Created without glass blowing or kilns, he instead uses an intensive process of cutting, sanding, laminating, and carving to create his unique artworks.

Two stacked glass blocks in graduating shades of yellow and orange, with segmented sections creating geometric forms that suggest cellular growth and biological structures
Red and translucent glass cube with geometric internal segments and a yellow core, representing cellular division and biological growth
Translucent glass sculpture with geometric segments in shades of yellow, green and white, creating an abstract form inspired by cellular structures
Translucent glass sculpture with segmented geometric sections in cream, amber and deep red tones, casting coloured shadows on a white surface
Translucent glass sculpture with angular segments in graduated shades of orange and pink, representing cellular structures and biological growth
Translucent glass sculptures with segmented, stacked forms in cream and amber tones, casting warm shadows on a white surface
Translucent yellow glass cube segmented into geometric sections with varying opacity, representing cellular division and biological growth structures
Translucent glass sculpture with cream and golden yellow segments forming an organic, cellular shape with internal geometric divisions and a warm glow beneath
Share