Rob Rhee Blends Nature and Art with Unique Gourd Sculptures

As autumn envelops Seattle, the UW Farm is showcasing an intriguing fusion of nature and art through the work of assistant professor Rob Rhee. His latest exhibition, titled “Crossings,” at the Jacob Lawrence Gallery, features innovative sculptures crafted from gourds, blurring the lines between organic growth and human creativity. These sculptures, part of a broader artistic exploration, challenge traditional perceptions of art and nature.

Rhee’s creations include hybrids formed through a combination of natural growth and metal structures. Utilizing techniques he developed while collaborating with local farmers, he has cultivated unique gourd shapes over several years. His work has previously been displayed at notable venues, including the Frye Art Museum and the Portland Art Museum. “I often draw from materials and processes in everyday life when making my work,” Rhee explains, emphasizing the importance of bricolage—a practice that transforms the mundane into something extraordinary.

Artistic Techniques and Inspirations

In “Crossings,” Rhee showcases sculptures assembled from broken gourd fragments, reflecting the themes of fragmentation and reconstruction. One piece, “Untitled (Sledge),” evokes the unsettling artistry of Surrealist Hans Bellmer, known for his disassembled dolls. Rhee’s approach also draws parallels with the assemblages of artist Joseph Cornell and the traditional Korean “chaekgori,” which display natural curiosities.

Collaboration plays a crucial role in Rhee’s artistic process. He partnered with glass artist Granite Calimpong to create “Gist Translation,” where glass vessels mimic gourd shapes. Calimpong’s glasswork serves a dual purpose, storing nutrient-rich liquids fermented from plant cuttings, a technique rooted in Korean Natural Farming known as JADAM. This method involves fermenting plant materials to enrich the soil, showcasing an alternative to conventional agricultural practices. “It captured my imagination,” Rhee notes, emphasizing the importance of nurturing nature’s cycles rather than imposing control.

Exploring Agricultural History

Rhee’s reflections on agriculture highlight the contrast between modern industrial practices and historical methods. He advocates for a broader understanding of farming that includes natural processes such as tidal flow cultivation and the roles played by fungi and microbes. By experimenting with grafting techniques, he creates plants that feature intertwined vines from various gourd species, further enriching his artistic exploration.

The exhibition “Crossings” not only displays Rhee’s sculptures but also incorporates a reading shelf filled with influential texts that informed his work. This initiative, discussed with Jordan Jones, director of the Jacob Lawrence Gallery, aims to enhance viewer engagement by providing context and dialogue surrounding the artworks. Rhee also experimented with enamel pieces intended for the exhibit, but ultimately decided to focus on copper imprints made from farm samples that serve as artifacts of the ongoing agricultural work.

As Rhee prepares for his next exhibition with curator Derek Franklin at SE COOPER in Portland scheduled for August 2026, he remains committed to exploring the intersection of nature and artistic experimentation. Like the creature in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” Rhee’s unique creations engage in a continuous conversation about growth, decay, and transformation, inviting viewers to reconsider the relationship between humanity and the natural world.