Ever-classic black inspires two design shows in Seoul

Arts & Design

Published: 27 Feb. 2013, 20:18

Ever-classic black inspires two design shows in Seoul

“Arm Piece,” made of steel, is part of Jungji Kim’s solo show at Choi Jung Ah Gallery. Provided by the gallery

Two design exhibitions featuring always chic black are going on in Seoul. One of them, “Black on White: Mid-Century Modern Furniture,” presents black furniture by 12 renowned designers, including Dieter Rams of Germany and Osvaldo Borsani of Italy.

The other is “Elastic Membrane,” which shows black jewelry made of metal and silicon by young Korean artist Jungji Kim.

The “Black on White” show, going on at Gallery 101 near the German Embassy in Yongsan District, central Seoul, focuses on furniture from the late 1930s to the ’70s.

“In that era, furniture grew from being purely practical to being aesthetically pleasing,” the gallery said in a release. “So, furniture designers at the time experimented with various styles to meet consumers’ more refined tastes and needs.”

The works on display include black chairs, tables, floor lamps and audio equipment by various designers, including the “Rover” chair by Israeli Ron Arad.

Black chairs, tables, floor lamps and other pieces, including the “Rover” chair, left, by Ron Arad, are part of the “Black on White: Mid-Century Modern Furniture” show at Gallery 101. Provided by the gallery

Their geometric silhouettes of elegant simplicity stand out against the pure white space of the gallery. “As black is the least eye-catching color, it can most succinctly reveal an object’s shape and design,” the gallery said.

Meanwhile, the “Elastic Membrane” exhibition at Choi Jung Ah Gallery features black necklaces, bracelets and unique pieces of arm wear by Kim. They are made of silicon-covered thin steel pieces, which look like fabric at a glimpse.

“Jewelry includes qualities of sculpture and garments at the same time, and that appeals to me,” Kim said. “I majored in metal art and was influenced by my mother, a textile artist. I try to apply the beauty of flexibility and delicacy of textiles to my metal jewelry work.”

The “Elastic Membrane” exhibition runs through Monday. Admission is free. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday. It is closed on Sunday. The exhibit is located in the lobby of Hongik University’s Hongmungwan Building. For details, call (02) 540-5584 or visit the Web site (www.jagallery.co.kr).

The “Black on White” furniture show runs through March 31. Admission is free. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. Take bus 143, 401, 406 or 730 and walk 10 minutes from the Crown Hotel stop.

For details, call (02) 797-3093.

By Moon So-young [symoon@joongang.co.kr]