Hasong Lee's "For Georges Rousse": A Trophy of Anamorphic Artistry

Visual Illusion and Metalworking Techniques Converge in a Unique Tribute

The inspiration for this design came from the metal crafting technique of digging a groove in a metal plate, folding it at a certain angle, and then soldering between them. This process led Lee to create three-dimensional forms that reveal a specific shape when viewed from a certain angle. This concept of anamorphosis, where a distorted image appears normal when viewed from a specific angle, became the cornerstone of this design.

"For Georges Rousse" is a tribute to the French photographer's work and stories. The trophy is a three-dimensional impossibility that reveals an intended form and image when viewed from one point. It is a structural representation of Rousse's interior space work, and when viewed from a particular angle, it reveals a two-dimensional circle with holes in different colors. This is an indirect message to Rousse, encapsulating the essence of his work.

The trophy was crafted using a computer 3D program. The metal plate was cut using a saw or laser, then folded and soldered to fit the design. The materials used were cupro-nickel and 925 silver, chosen for their contrasting colors when heated, which allows the intended form or surface to be clearly seen at a specific point in time.

The trophy measures 115 mm x 137 mm x 154 mm. It creates a visual illusion that seems to distort the object's appearance from a normal viewpoint. However, when viewed from a specific location or angle, the distortion disappears, and the figure appears normal. This visual confusion creates a strong concentration, tension, and leads viewers to question their perspectives.

The project began in Seoul in September 2017 and concluded in late December of the same year. The work was first exhibited at the Gold Museum in New Taipei, Taiwan from June to October 2018, and later at the designer's graduate school gallery. This design is a testament to Hasong Lee's dedication to exploring and pioneering techniques to create sculptures that harmonize external and visual moldings with internal memorial and symbolic meanings.

Despite the challenges of expressing anamorphosis in a small object, Lee successfully combined this with the visual expression of an impossible figure, such as Penrose’s triangle. The result is a three-dimensional sculpture that reveals an impossible figure through anamorphosis when viewed from a specific angle. This innovative approach to design has earned "For Georges Rousse" the Silver A' Design Award, a testament to its outstanding creativity and technical expertise.