Close

Create an identity – Korea Craft & Design Foundation at Downtown Design 2023

Creating an identity with Korea Craft & Design Foundation

GOT SERIES from Arijian

Create an identity campaign is all about the story of the brands. Their design aesthetics, creative approach, and overall contribution to the industry. This year identity magazine in collaboration with Downtown Design brings you the story behind some of the collectives featured at the milestone event.

Name of the curator/in charge for the collective: Yunkyung Seo (Head), Minjung Jang (Project Manager), Songlim Kim (Project Manager)

Is this the first time the collective is coming together at Downtown Design/Dubai Design Week?

KCDF is participating in Downtown Design/Dubai Design Week for the first time. It is a public institution under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea established to promote crafts and design. We are presenting the artworks of 6 Korean craft artists at this fair.

What can we expect from this edition of the Downtown Design’s exhibit?

In this exhibition, we present the artworks of artists who inherit and develop the traditional materials, techniques, shapes, and patterns of Korean crafts in a modern way.

What criteria were used to shortlist designers for this segment? How extensive was the selection process?

We selected participating artists mainly from Korean artists who participated in major overseas art fairs and international exhibitions. Among artists actively working in each field, artists with unique designs and original production methods were selected first.

Was there any specific sector you saw more participation from? (furniture/art/accessories)?

The exhibition focuses on art furniture and objects.

What does the collective aim to achieve with this edition of the fair? Any plans after the event gets done (opening of showroom, partnering up with local dealers, more exhibits, etc)?

The biggest goal is to raise awareness of Korean crafts by holding several exhibitions showcasing Korean crafts and forming networks with related institutions, companies, and organizations. In the long term, Dubai will be the base for visitors from the UAE and neighboring countries to visit. We will be able to open a showroom.

Which primary materials stand out in the showcased designs?

In particular, mother-of-pearl, which occupies a large proportion in this exhibition, is an element that decorates wood crafts along with lacquer. In Korea, techniques for handling mother-of-pearl were greatly developed during the Goryeo Dynasty(918-1392), reaching its heyday, and the tradition has continued to be used in various designs to the present day.

Are there any notable pieces you’d like to highlight? And any hints about the exhibition’s key showcases?

There are two mother-of-pearl artists who participated in this exhibition. Artist Daehyun Sohn presents works with a stronger traditional mood, and artist Jian Yoo presents mother-of-pearl art with a modern design. In addition, you can also see modern Korean design in the metal and glass fields. 

Our artists are internationally recognized by winning various craft awards, including being finalists at the Loewe Foundation Craft Award, and are demonstrating the possibility of expanding craft through collaboration with various fields such as interior design, fashion, and automobiles.

 

The Latest

Elevate Your Reading Space

Assouline’s new objects and home fragrances collection are an ideal complement to your reading rituals

All Aboard

What it will be like aboard the world’s largest residential yacht, the ULYSSIA?

Inside The Charleston

A tribute to Galle Fort’s complex heritage, The Charleston blends Art Deco elegance with Sri Lankan artistry and Bawa-infused modernism

buddha bar dubai marina

Design Take: Buddha Bar

We unveil the story behind the iconic design of the much-loved Buddha Bar in Grosvenor House.

A Layered Narrative

An Edwardian home in London becomes a serene gallery of culture, craft and contemporary design

A Brand Symphony

Kader Mithani, CEO of Casamia, and Gian Luca Gessi, CEO of Gessi, reflect on the partnership between the two brands

The Art of Wellness

Kintsugi in Abu Dhabi, situated in a seven-storey villa, offers the ultimate zen retreat

Design Take: Inside the Royal Suite at Jumeirah Al Naseem

With sweeping views of the ocean and Burj Al Arab, this two bedroom royal suite offers a lush stay.

Elevated Living

Designed by La Bottega Interiors, this penthouse at the Delano Dubai echoes soft minimalism

Quiet Luxury

Studio SuCo transforms a villa in Dubailand into a refined home

Contrasting Textures

Located in Al Barari and designed by BONE Studio, this home provides both openness and intimacy through the unique use of materials

Stillness, Form and Function

Yasmin Farahmandy of Y Design Interior has designed a home for a creative from the film industry