JI YONG HO

In his Mutant Series, Ji Yong Ho draws inspiration from Darwin's evolutionary theory. A part of this series his Deer Head 1 (Lot 452) work reflects the artist's investigation of the issue of change and mutation. Ji employs used tires and grants them "rebirth" through sculpting them into creatures that appear both natural and fantastical. Just as every tire contains a unique history through the roads it has traveled, Ji literally migrates those stories into his creations, not only preserving them forever in aesthetic form, but makes a poignant statement about the urgent pace of modern society. Under this rapid momentum, Ji ponders how the modern human being continuously strives to reign above all creatures, and questions what consequences this blind pursuit for constant advancement will bring upon our psyche and the environment. Constant reinvention of the old and increasing desire for the new may breed indifference and thoughtless disposal of the past, and may breed monstrous creations beyond our control.