‘Hidden Gem’ - experiencing the materiality and quiet labour in an object. That moment when the light hits and you notice a detail, a texture.
Often, beauty is discovered in the simplicity and serenity of small details. It exists in the nuances of craftsmanship and the precision of execution. ‘Hidden Gem’ presents Korean artists who demonstrate the subtlety of Korean craft, centring their practice around materiality and process.
During the last imperial dynasty of Korea (1392-1910), highly decorative art fell out of fashion with an increased emphasis on meticulous craftsmanship. Restraint and refinement was favoured, although a sense of luxury endured through the precise purification of raw materials, resulting in a clarity of finishes and forms. Guided by these traditional values, these contemporary artisans take the nature of their chosen materials as their starting point, finding beauty and acceptance in both the act of making and the outcome. In 'Hidden Gem,' quiet labour and materiality is evident in each object. That moment when the light hits and you notice a detail, a texture - the suggestiveness of a surface. The works on display are connected by their understated intricacies.
The exhibition will highlight pieces by metal artist Kim Hyun-ju, textile artist Lee So-ra and ceramic artists Yun Ju-cheol, Jo Hee-jin, Park Sung-wook and Yusun Won. Alongside these will be the poetic woodwork of Mok-su, and we are pleased to present for the first time the turned vessels of Kim Min-wook.
EVENT
In Conversation: Korean Artistry in European Interiors
18th May, 4-5pm
Join us for a guided tour around the exhibition, followed by a conversation between gallery director Lloyd Choi and luxury interior designer Louise East, on what Korean Arts and Crafts can bring into the European Home. Discussing the rich heritage of Korean artistic traditions and their impact on Louise’s projects as she incorporates these influences into her interiors. The event will welcome you with a Korean Tea-cocktail.
Visiting Information
Cromwell Place, 4 Cromwell Place, London SW7 2JE
Opening Hour: Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm (Sunday closed at 4pm)
This exhibition partners with London Craft Week and is supported by the Korean Craft and Design Foundation and Arts Council under The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in South Korea.
And special thank to Studio Est.
