Lee Chi's "Inorganic Mineral": A New Perspective on Installation Art

Exploring the Intersection of Art, Nature, and Urban Materials

Lee Chi's inspiration for "Inorganic Mineral" stems from the urban environment's reliance on inorganic substances. He believes that the true essence of these environments can only be revealed when we set aside our cultural and civilizational knowledge. The artist's work explores the balance between social class and quality in cities, drawing from Taiwan's history.

The unique properties of "Inorganic Mineral" lie in its exploration of material nature. Lee disassembles various materials and reconstructs them through an aesthetic system and a fresh perspective. He also investigates the use of plants in cityscapes beyond the outdoor landscape. The artist's redefinition and reconstruction of plants and other artificial materials aim to evoke emotional responses from viewers.

The installation is created using a variety of materials, including iron mesh, foaming agent, wood, aluminum foil, charcoal, ore, polyester, dried flowers, marble, and acrylic paint. The artwork measures 500mm in width, 800mm in depth, and 800mm in height. It is intended to be displayed statically, inviting viewers to engage with it at their own pace.

The project was initiated in January 2019 in Taipei and concluded in March of the same year. The artwork was exhibited at the Botaniplan Von Lee Chi studio from May 23 to June 6, 2019, and at the Bountiful Journey gallery in Taipei from September 23 to 28, 2019.

Lee's research for "Inorganic Mineral" focused on finding ways to give non-recyclable materials a non-unidirectional value under the economic system. He experimented with various manufacturing techniques based on the nature of the materials, allowing inorganic waste to be recycled and remade into mixed media for artworks. The most significant challenge was deconstructing the landscape and texture of Taiwan's cities and allowing the artwork to reflect the spiritual images of the environment and the connection between different material compositions.

Lee Chi's "Inorganic Mineral" series is a testament to the artist's deep connection with nature and his experience as an architect. His unique botanical art installations transform life events into formalized artworks, offering a new perspective on the nature of materials and their potential to impact people emotionally. The series is a significant contribution to the field of installation art, demonstrating the transformative power of art in redefining our relationship with the urban environment.