Tokujin Yoshioka show, Seoul
Seoul is pulling out all the stops to show it merits its World Design Capital 2010 status, unveiling ambitious architectural projects and hosting a series of exhibitions by big names, ranging from Damien Hirst to the Campana Brothers. But it's Tokujin Yoshioka's Spectrum show at the Museum beyond museum that is dazzling us at present.
The Japanese designer has a unique approach to design, believing that it is something that you feel, rather than create. His work often has an otherworldly appeal - like his luminescent installation for Kartell during this year's Salone del Mobile and his swirling, 'Tornado' creation for Design Miami in 2007 - and his latest nine-metre-tall window of 500 crystal prisms at the museum is typically awe-inspiring.
The 'Rainbow Church' project dates back to a visit to Henri Matisse's Chepelle du Rosaire, while Yoshioka was in his early twenties. He was struck by the colourful light that filtered through Matisse's vibrant stained glass window. 'Since then, I have been dreaming of designing an architecture where people can feel the light with all the senses,' he explains.
Also on show are some of Yoshioka's most remarkable designs from the last decade. There's the ground-breaking 'Venus' chair, grown from crystals in an aquarium, and the 'Honey-pop' chair, made from sheets of glassine paper and resembling a honeycomb structure. But one of the most striking pieces in the exhibition has never been seen before by the public. The 'Waterfall' is a counter table made from a massive glass block, used in giant observatory telescopes. Resembling a giant block of ice, it was created for a Private Gallery in Tokyo in 2006.
Viewing Yoshioka's work in the flesh is rarely a passive experience. This new show will engage all the senses.
ADDRESS
Museum beyond museum
Gangnam-gu Chungdam-dong 49-21
Seoul
South Korea
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
Malaika Byng is an editor, writer and consultant covering everything from architecture, design and ecology to art and craft. She was online editor for Wallpaper* magazine for three years and more recently editor of Crafts magazine, until she decided to go freelance in 2022. Based in London, she now writes for the Financial Times, Metropolis, Kinfolk and The Plant, among others.
-
Molly Goddard on creating a community of contemporary brides
As new Molly Goddard bridal wear is released, the designer talks about creating romantic but real wedding dresses, while three recent brides tell the stories behind their own Goddard gowns
By Jack Moss Published
-
Palazzo Roma embodies the heritage of Roman noblesse
Palazzo Roma, part of the Shedir Collection, boasts eclectic and eccentric interiors by Giampiero Panepinto
By Luke Abrahams Published
-
Boise Passive House’s bold gestures support an environmentally friendly design
Boise Passive House by Haas Architecture combines sleek, contemporary design and environmental efficiency
By Ellie Stathaki Published