Photograph by Amanda Ringstad, courtesy of Salon 94 Design and Jay Sae Jung Oh
The work of Jay Sae Jung Oh contains multitudes, hidden from view. To build her sculptural furniture forms, Oh first constructs an armature of structural elements and found objects, then wraps them in a continuous surface of jute or leather cord. This labor-intensive process results in a closed envelope of form, the miscellany within rendered into generic protuberances. The ribbing of the cord accumulates into a sort of topology, as if the whole object were an abstract landscape somewhat recalling the carved furniture of J. B. Blunk.
Occasionally, she lets a form express itself more clearly (a memorable example being a set of bicycle handlebars, jutting out from a seating sculpture). This self-invented technique has correspondences to the processes of other artists of her generation, including Doug Johnston, who employs a material similar to jute cord, and the Detroit maker Chris Schanck, who also builds over roughly built armatures. The rigor of Oh’s execution, however, lends her work a distinctive air of refinement.
Savage Wall Organizer, Black Edition, in various plastics, leather cord, and plywood. Designed and made and designed by Jay Sae Jung Oh, USA, 2020.
55" L x 15" W x 45" H
139.7cm L x 38.1cm W x 114.3cm H
SP1393
Courtesy of Salon 94 Design