The amount of effort that goes into creating one of Young-Deok Seo's sculptures cannot be overstated. Apart from the massive exterior and the artist's meticulous attention to detail, his third element in So's work makes it particularly impressive and sets it apart from its contemporaries. Masu. If you look closely, you'll see that every inch of his sculpture is made of bicycle chains, with each link interconnected to create the human form.
The chains in his work are not only physical. According to Seo's website, his sculptures and the mediums he uses to create them are inspired by the human condition and the struggles that often accompany it. Mr. Seo says: “The chains in my work are shackles. The shackles are all about the complex and forced relationships and material cravings of our contemporaries. Through my work I try to understand how the thoughts and lives of individuals are ignored. I want to show the current state of things.”
Many of So's sculptures are lonely in nature, with eyes almost always closed. He often depicts his full-body sculptures in vulnerable positions, such as hugging his knees to his chest or holding his arms in a self-soothing gesture. His large-scale facial carvings are similarly plain, resembling the face masks that ancient theater artists would have used in theatrical productions. This could perhaps be a further commentary on the masks we wear every day.
To keep up to date with Seo's work, check out his Facebook or Instagram. You can find out more about his exhibitions on his website.
Young-Deok Seo is a Korean artist who creates sculptures using bicycle chains.
The chains in his work are not only physical. Many of his sculptures are melancholy, with gloomy expressions and vulnerable positions.
His work is inspired by being bound by society and unable to break free from it.
Seo Young Deok: Website | Instagram | Facebook
All images via Seo Young Deok.
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