'Trace of Sense' Exhibition Reinterprets Korean Aesthetics with Italian Design Materials
Jason Yim / Published December 22, 2024 08:51 PM
Jason Yim
The poster of the exhibition, Courtesy of Cociety Seongsu
The Trace of Sense exhibition, hosted by design company Lakrids, is captivating visitors at the CoSociety cultural space in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, until December 27. Featuring the creative works of star designers such as Lee Seok Woo, and Baek Jong Hwan, and artists like Han Kwang Hyun and Leo Kim, the exhibition explores the fusion of Italy’s premium design materials with Korea’s traditional aesthetics.
One of the highlights is The Lunar Land by designer Lee Seok Woo, the CEO of SWNA. This installation reimagines Korea’s traditional folding screens using Italian wood veneer materials from ALPI, a renowned wood design company. By wrapping lightweight materials such as styrofoam and formex with ALPI’s veneers, the work transforms into a natural, lifelike wooden structure. The piece showcases the synergy between modern technology and traditional Korean artistry.
Han Kwang Hyun, who contributed a stunning black-and-white video installation and curated the exhibition, emphasizes Korea’s architectural philosophy where nature is not merely a backdrop but an integral part of design. His video draws viewers into a serene landscape reminiscent of inkwash paintings, setting the tone for the entire exhibition.
Seven Korean designers and artists collaborated on this exhibition, including Baek Jong-Hwan, the head of WGNB, who created Structure 1. Inspired by the simplicity of traditional Korean hanok, Baek incorporated vertical and horizontal wooden structures reminiscent of hanok beams and columns. His use of ALPI’s wood veneer to evoke dancheong, the multicolored patterns of traditional Korean architecture, brings a modern sensibility to the work. The installation’s horizontal structure is even sturdy enough to serve as a functional chair, inviting viewers to engage directly with the art.
Lakrids, the exhibition’s organizer, described ALPI as a global leader in reimagining the natural properties of wood through advanced technology. “ALPI bridges the past and present by transforming natural materials into sustainable, innovative designs. Their exploration of texture, color, and pattern aligns with Korean traditions of coexisting with nature.” Founded in 1919, ALPI is known for its exquisite wood veneers used in luxury homes, hotels, yachts, and furniture. It emphasizes sustainability by using FSC-certified renewable wood and eco-friendly production processes.
The exhibition also features a display of decorative materials, such as wood veneer sheets used in furniture and luxury architectural interiors, showcasing ALPI’s versatility and creativity. This collaboration with Korean artists marks the first such exhibition in Asia for ALPI, blending local cultural narratives with cutting-edge design materials.
Trace of Sense illustrates how art and design can bridge cultures and eras, from the heritage of Korean aesthetics to the innovation of Italian craftsmanship. Visitors can experience this unique interplay until December 27.
Sayart / Jason Yim, yimjongho1969@gmail.com
The poster of the exhibition, Courtesy of Cociety Seongsu
The Trace of Sense exhibition, hosted by design company Lakrids, is captivating visitors at the CoSociety cultural space in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, until December 27. Featuring the creative works of star designers such as Lee Seok Woo, and Baek Jong Hwan, and artists like Han Kwang Hyun and Leo Kim, the exhibition explores the fusion of Italy’s premium design materials with Korea’s traditional aesthetics.
One of the highlights is The Lunar Land by designer Lee Seok Woo, the CEO of SWNA. This installation reimagines Korea’s traditional folding screens using Italian wood veneer materials from ALPI, a renowned wood design company. By wrapping lightweight materials such as styrofoam and formex with ALPI’s veneers, the work transforms into a natural, lifelike wooden structure. The piece showcases the synergy between modern technology and traditional Korean artistry.
Han Kwang Hyun, who contributed a stunning black-and-white video installation and curated the exhibition, emphasizes Korea’s architectural philosophy where nature is not merely a backdrop but an integral part of design. His video draws viewers into a serene landscape reminiscent of inkwash paintings, setting the tone for the entire exhibition.
Seven Korean designers and artists collaborated on this exhibition, including Baek Jong-Hwan, the head of WGNB, who created Structure 1. Inspired by the simplicity of traditional Korean hanok, Baek incorporated vertical and horizontal wooden structures reminiscent of hanok beams and columns. His use of ALPI’s wood veneer to evoke dancheong, the multicolored patterns of traditional Korean architecture, brings a modern sensibility to the work. The installation’s horizontal structure is even sturdy enough to serve as a functional chair, inviting viewers to engage directly with the art.
Lakrids, the exhibition’s organizer, described ALPI as a global leader in reimagining the natural properties of wood through advanced technology. “ALPI bridges the past and present by transforming natural materials into sustainable, innovative designs. Their exploration of texture, color, and pattern aligns with Korean traditions of coexisting with nature.” Founded in 1919, ALPI is known for its exquisite wood veneers used in luxury homes, hotels, yachts, and furniture. It emphasizes sustainability by using FSC-certified renewable wood and eco-friendly production processes.
The exhibition also features a display of decorative materials, such as wood veneer sheets used in furniture and luxury architectural interiors, showcasing ALPI’s versatility and creativity. This collaboration with Korean artists marks the first such exhibition in Asia for ALPI, blending local cultural narratives with cutting-edge design materials.
Trace of Sense illustrates how art and design can bridge cultures and eras, from the heritage of Korean aesthetics to the innovation of Italian craftsmanship. Visitors can experience this unique interplay until December 27.
