1% for Art EXHIBITION curated by Design Pier (I)
Design Pier proudly partners with Designart Tokyo to curate and organize the Design Week’s main event joining the 1% for Art program and presenting a driver array of highly creative design objects by design studios from the Asia continent.
Design Pier proudly partners with Designart Tokyo to curate and organize the Design Week’s main event joining the 1% for Art program and presenting a diverse array of highly creative design objects by design studios from the Asia continent.
The exhibition proposes a dialogue that reflects on the changes in international design, provoked by an alternative design thinking originating in Asia. While design in Asia used to be conservative and risk-averse, the new generation has a hunger for reinventing, rediscovering, and imposing its own unique design thinking.
New Asia designers proudly embrace their traditions and boldly transform it into objects. Their works show strong marks in their respective cultures. At the same time, Western designers go beyond simple imitation, and they genuinely integrate the philosophy and the attitude of different design trends in Asia or influence a new design thinking while collaborating with Asian designers.
About the 1% for Art Exhibition, 19 artists and studios from different countries across asia will showcasing their art and design pieces, they are A SPACE, ALVIN T, APICAL REFORM, APIWAT CHITAPANYA, BINGQI LEE, COALESCE, GABRIEL TAN, H220430, HANS TAN, JARROD LIM, JATRA, KARINA SUKAR, NISSA KINZHALINA, RYAN L. FOOTE, SHIGEKI YAMAMOTO, STUDIO JUJU, TEERAPOJ TEEROPAS, TIFFANY LOY and VU HOANG ANH.
About 19 artists of their art and design
About A SPACE
ASPACE is a design & art studio based in Brooklyn NY, co-founded by Anna Aristova and Roza Gazarian in 2016. Our collaborative pieces are an attempt to bring in the timeless beauty of nature to contemporary lifestyle, whether it’s functional furniture or a decorative object. The essence of each of our creations is a sense of a vast open space, where ideas, thoughts or feelings spontaneously arise, evolve through experimentation and ultimately manifest as a functional art piece. Each object is a one-of-a-kind creation that beckons to look beyond mere form and material, and to connect to the primordial nature of the elements. Our work is a constant balance of opposites -- improvisation and thoughtful planning, intuition and knowledge, organic and geometric, timelessness and impermanence
About Collection: KOGE.
ASPACE series is inspired by Butoh dance. In KOGE series I am exploring the Butoh dancer from inside, and how the physical body, organs and blood veins, are built. Rather than particular shapes of organs, Anna Aristova and Roza Gazarian interested in the whole body system and how it’s functioning, and the connection between inner functioning and what people see in the dance performance.
The pieces are made with saturated pigmented clay mixed with stoneware. They are then partially painted with engobe and shino glazes, and then obtain natural flying ash glaze during the firing.
The sculptures were fired in a wood-firing anagama style smokeless kiln with inverted flame bouri box, called Sasukenei, which was built by master Masakazu Kusakabe in 2015.
About Collection: KOGE.
My series is inspired by Butoh dance.
In KOGE series I am exploring the Butoh dancer from inside, and how the physical body, organs and blood veins, are built. Rather than particular shapes of organs, I am interested in the whole body system and how it’s functioning, and the connection between inner functioning and what people see in the dance performance.
The pieces are made with saturated pigmented clay mixed with stoneware. They are then partially painted with engobe and shino glazes, and then obtain natural flying ash glaze during the firing.
The sculptures were fired in a wood-firing anagama style smokeless kiln with inverted flame bouri box, called Sasukenei, which was built by master Masakazu Kusakabe in 2015.
About Alvin T
AlvinT Studio is a multidisciplinary design firm led by founder Alvin Tjitrowirjo. With expertise in Product Design, Interior Design, and Art direction. Their design brand is dedicated to reviving the Indonesian design industry and communicate Indonesia’s distinctive design character and high-quality materials and craftsmanship to both locally the rest of the world. With Indonesia enriched with a unique culture in history and art, alvinT is inspired by the traditional techniques and how inimitable innovation can be formed in the modern approach.
Angan derives - Angan derives from the Indonesian word that means wishful, the design illustrates a state of mind where thereís a tension between the hope of progress and the fear of changing. A condition that is encaged many individuals in Indonesia at the moment. This sentiment is portrayed as a shelf, forming a cage like silhouette made out of natural rattan poles with brass shelves. The cage poles made out of natural were designed to be un-even creating different size of opening. There are three levels of brass shelves in matte finish to place small objects or accessories.
Lumping - Lumping is derived from ìkuda lumpingî (ìlumpingî horse, flat horse), a traditional dance originated from Java commonly made of rattan. It is believed that the dance illustrated historical war against the Dutch colonial forces. These historical references were transformed into a modern playful outdoor furniture drawing a light and dynamic silhouette. The graphical woven texture of the body injects a dose of local flair, providing a nice contrast to its solid black or white aluminum frame.
Lumping is suitable for both indoors and outdoors. Also available in natural rattan.
Mingle - Mingle is a bench for three people. The idea behind it is that in Indonesia we need furniture that communicates what a modern contemporary Indonesia design is. This is expressed by using a local identity wrapped in an international visual language and it has a meaning to provoke dialog between its users in order to start a conversation.
Apical Reform
Founded in 2011, Apical Reform is a collaborative design studio dedicated to creating immersive experiences led by art and innovation. Led by Owner and Creative Director Amrish Patel and Design Director Darshan Soni. Our latest installations can be found in the Dubai Design District such as the My Dubai City sign, Melt, and Sonuslexica, The year of Zayed artwork and The year of tolerance artwork. We are also privileged to be working with the Ithra Museum, Saudi Arabia. We have also Ventured into Kinectic artwork with ‘Stingray’ and ‘Tornado’ in collaboration with the MB&F MAD gallery.
Piranha - Retaining the external anatomical contours of the carnivore, its actuality is imagined as a bio-mechanical machine, transposed by a metaphorical system of gears, levers and linkages fabricated in thin sheets of mild steel. The intricate details, prominent in the layers of juxtaposed geometries, add multiple dimensions to the artwork as it reveals the hidden.
MASAYA
MASAYA is a brass furniture brand with the fundamentals of producing artistic and unique products. All our products are inspired by nature where each one of it has its own story. We pay attention to details, striving to deliver the best and most different products in the market.
MASAYA’s products designs stem from our everyday fundamental shapes and enhancing those simple shapes into a product that fits in every home. Like our mother brand, Asia Collection, our products are majestic, with the combination of brass, stainlesssteel, marble, and one of a kind wood. We serve modernized furnitures that fit into anyone and everyone’s lifestyles.
Designart Tokyo 2019
Date: October 18th (Friday) - 27th (Mon)
Area: Omotesando- Gaienmae Harajuku/ Meiji-jngumae Shibuya - Ebisu Daikanyama-Nakameguro Roppongi-HIROO Shinjuku Ginza
For more information, please visit Designart Tokyo website: http://designart.jp/designarttokyo2019/
About the supporting organization
DesignSingapore Council’s (Dsg)
DesignSingapore Council’s (Dsg) vision is for Singapore to be an innovation-driven economy and a loveable city through design by 2025. As the national agency that promotes design, our mission is to develop the design sector, help Singapore use design for innovation and growth, and make life better in this UNESCO Creative City of Design. Dsg is a division of the Ministry of Communications and Information.
DEISGNART TOKYO - Art Works & Installations
One of the largest Japan’s Design & Art Festival is soon to be launch on October 18-27, 2019. Visitors will able to explore and find something they fall in love with during this 10 days exhibition, not only appreciated the art and design but visitors able to purchase their favorite items.
One of the largest Japan’s Design & Art Festival is soon to be launch on October 18-27, 2019. Visitors will able to explore and find something they fall in love with during this 10 days exhibition, not only appreciated the art and design but visitors able to purchase their favorite items. This year, over 100 participating venues will be joining this festival and estimate with over 200,000 visitors will be participating in Tokyo, Japan.
Art Works & Installations Only Viewable at DESIGNART TOKYO - Grand Seiko at Jing Harajuku
The exhibition ‘THE NATURE OF TIME,’ which was unveiled at Milano Salon, will be recreated at Jing in Harajuku. The producer Toshiki Kiriyama of TRUNK K.K and creators Contemporary design studio we+ and motion Graphic Director Shingo Abe were all recruited to realize this installation that explores the true essence of time and the conception of time in Japanese with its closeness to nature. The show digs down into the deeper meaning of creating things.
MAD DOG JONES @ DIESEL ART GALLERY
Highly rated for its unusual selection of artists, DIESEL ART GALLERY in Shibuya will be playing host to the world’s first ever exhibition of Canadian visual artist MAD DOG JONES, who shot to fame through instagram. The art works to go on display here take son the challenge of fusing two contrasting themes.
Toronto based artist MAD DOG JONES holds the world premiere exhibition. MAD DOG JONES is known for his unique artworks that expressing two conflicting elements, cyberpunk and nature. More than 20 pieces of new works will be shown which are available for purchase, and related goods such as T-shirts will be sold at the exhibition.
Raison d’être (Our Purpose)
With a history crossing over 190 years, Wakabayashi Butsugi Mfg Co,. Ltd. specializes in Kyoto-style Buddhist altars and accouterments. It's "raison d 'être" exhibition will be showing a GUM Omotesando, showcasing creations from six artisans: Satoshi Itasaka, Jin Kuramoto, Yuko Nagayama, Kohei Nawa, Yuko Hashimoto, and Shiogo Mashiro. Each of the artists investigates the opportunities for Buddhist Altar design and reveals their ideas through traditional craftsmanship.
Wakabayashi Butsugu is a Buddhist altar and furnishings manufacturer founded in Kyoto in 1830. Working with skilled carpenters, lacquer workers, and metalsmiths, Wakabayashi has provided altars and furnishings for both temples and private homes since its founding. The company brings together the highly specialized skills and carefully honed techniques of the various artisans of Kyoto, applying them to the repair and restoration of temples and national treasures throughout Japan.
Working with designers from various fields, Wakabayashi is producing art pieces and products that incorporate the techniques of traditional handicraft with the aim of preserving and passing down this invaluable craft and technique of these highly skilled artisans.
This exhibition is the latest project by Wakabayashi Butsugu, an established Buddhist altar and furnishings maker from Kyoto with almost 200 years of history. It is a new kind of Buddhist altar, personalized and made-to-order for the family and the departed.
Together with product designers, architects, and artists, we have reimagined the altar by drawing on its three aspects- as a piece of furniture in homes, as a miniaturized temple structure, and as an object of prayer. Through the traditional craft of skilled artisans, we have created a collection of modern altars.
For this first collection, we worked with creators Yukio Hashimoto, Satoshi Itasaka, Jin Kuramoto, Shigeo Mashiro, Yuko Nagayama, and Kohei Nawa to bring new perspectives to Buddhist altars and the expression of craft.
For more information, please visit Designart Tokyo website: http://designart.jp/designarttokyo2019/
Designart Tokyo 2019
Date: October 18th (Friday) - 27th (Mon)
Area: Omotesando- Gaienmae Harajuku/ Meiji-jngumae Shibuya - Ebisu Daikanyama-Nakameguro Roppongi-HIROO Shinjuku Ginza
What is DESIGNART TOKYO? (I)
Held each autumn DESIGNART TOKYO is one of Japan’s largest art & design festivals. With the concept of “Emotions”, interiors, art, fashion and food from all around the world are collected with a genre-defying spirit. Decorating the coolest areas of Tokyo with art, making it fun to walk around and visit all the different exhibits, transforming the entire city into a museum over the course of ten days.
Israel Announced as Official Partner Country!
Israel is decided as the Partner Country of this year's DESIGNART TOKYO. As part of the Exchange Project, more than 10 participants from Jerusalem Design Week (JDW) will exhibit their works. (From Japan, Shota Hayakawa and Yuri Himuro of last year's Designart Tokyo, have participated in the JDW 2019 in June.)
With a showcase of local materials, installations, projects and events stemming from the recent editions of JDW, the exhibition will explore the tensions and hybrids which define a unique Israeli design approach
Ginza & Shinjuku Join the Party!
TOKYU PLAZA GINZA X Bunkamura X Toraya Exhibition
< KIRIKO LOUNGE / Tokyu Plaza 6th Floor >
Tokyu Plaza Ginza will serve as the Information Center for the Ginza area. At KIRIKO LOUNGE, located on the landmark building’s 6th floor, poetry evoking the season of autumn in the Ginza area will be recited as part of an event titled “Gin-cha-kai” (Silver Tea Party), while Toraya, the venerable purveyor of Japanese sweets and patron of traditional arts and crafts, will be supporting an exhibition titled “TOKYU PLAZA GINZA Å~ Bunkamura SPECIAL PROGRAM ～ Toraya,
Principles of Japanese Sweets”, curated by Ryusuke Nanki. The show will examine the expression of the four seasons and the origins of craftsmanship through the lens of Japanese sweets, while visitors can experience the joys of creating Japanese sweets at the adjacent Sukiyabashi Chabo.
Lalique x Damian Hirst “Eternal” Collection
< Lalique >
The revered house of Lalique, known as “The haute couture of crystal glass”, has entered into a partnership with world-renowned contemporary artist Damien Hirst to produce a collection titled “Eternal”. Melding Hirst’s conception of “The Cycle of Life” with the house’s unrivalled craftsmanship has resulted in art pieces the likes of which have never been seen before and which visitors will be sure to enjoy seeing up close. ETERNAL IMMACULATE
Photographed by Fran.ois Fernandez ˝ Damien Hirst, Science Ltd and Lalique. All rights reserved, DACS/ADAGP 2017
Shiseido Gallery / From “Moulting”(2019) by Jay Chung & Q Takeki Maeda
< Shiseido Gallery >
Shiseido is a cosmetics brand whose identity is deeply entwined with the history of Ginza. Celebrating its centenary this year “Shiseido Gallery” is Japan’s oldest art gallery and this year it will participate in DESIGNART TOKYO for the first time. The gallery will be featuring an exhibition selected by Berlin-based conceptual artists Jay Chung & Q Takeki Maeda as well as an exhibition of craftsmanship featuring arabesque patterns.
Please stay tuned for more information with us or you may visit: http://designart.jp
One room. Three exhibitions. Blurring the edge between fine art and design from Poland
‘Room PLus’ is a 6 weeks long project that will showcases three exhibitions of emerging and more established designers from Poland at the Design Centre PMQ in Hong Kong.
‘Room PLus’ is a 6 weeks long project that will showcases three exhibitions of emerging and more established designers from Poland at the Design Centre PMQ in Hong Kong. The key idea of ‘Room PLus’ concept is to bring innovative free thinking designers and artists from Poland to Hong Kong. The exhibitions will be followed by a program of workshops. ‘Room PLus’ is a part of Polish Cultural Festival.
1. “Around the Table – Polish Party”
Group Exhibition.
Presented in this exhibition will be 50 table accessories, experimental prototypes and unique objects authored by >20 Polish designers from Gdańsk - one of the leading trend-setting centers of European material culture.
Curator: Prof. Sławomir Fijałkowski
Concept Design: dr Marta Flisykowska (Gdansk Academy of Fine Art, Poland)
During the month of May, Studio Ziben will partner with Chef Daisuke Mori at the renowned One Michelin-starred Hong Kong restaurant ‘Takumi by Daisuke Mori’, where special collages will be displayed in the venue and inspire the culinary experience. The meaningful collaboration will offer gastronomies the unique opportunity to savour a menu designed exclusively for the event, where the craft, philosophy and feeling of the artwork is beautiful reflected into culinary creations.
2. Studio Ziben
“RE&UP”: Furnitures and Collages Exhibition. Curator: Dr. Agnieszka Mori
The first Asian exhibition of Berlin-based internationally renowned Polish artist and designer Mariusz Małecki (Studio Ziben). Blurring the edge between fine art and design, the exhibition will showcase unique furniture together with original collage art works. Design, Craftsmanship, Sustainability and individual Approach combine with Functionality and Timelessness.
With the opening on May 10th, 2019 ‘Room Plus’ is proud to present “RE&UP”, the first Asia exhibition of internationally renowned artist and designer Mariusz Małecki /Studio Ziben (Poland, 1974). The exhibition will showcase Studio Ziben unique furniture together with original collage art works.
The designer lives with his passion for the creation of individual pieces of furniture and objects. His ideas arise spontaneously and intuitively through associations. In this way, Małecki designs fascinating objects that always have a story to tell. Free thinking and spontaneity are combined with functionality, aesthetics, and timelessness. Simple and contemporary design characterizes every handcrafted piece of furniture which is made of the highest quality materials from Poland.
His childhood and youth were dominated by the socialist design of the Eastern block. After graduating from high school, he started to study design at the Academy of Fine Arts in Poznan (PL) and Minerva Academy in Groningen (NL). During his studies he started to make his first designs and worked for Polish furniture industry. In 2007, he moved to Berlin to create his own furniture brand. Studio Ziben is a collection of different ideas.
He often cooperates with different architecture studios and private customers, developing the concept of offices and apartments design. To mention just a few: 2016 - Circus Hotel - foyer furnishings, 2014 - Cooperation with Gensler Architects/London for Google Office in Munich/DE furniture design. The furniture of Studio Ziben, mostly unique pieces are also a part of the private furniture collection/private apartments in New York, Berlin and Poland.
Thanks to fast increasing popularity of his designs, Małecki is regularly invited to prestigious international furniture design exhibitions all over the world, such as Dutch Design Week, ICFF in Manhattan, New York and TV furniture shows as a design expert - (5 episodes, ZDF).
Freedom, free thinking and spontaneity are key parts of Małecki creative process. Studio Ziben designs are unexpected and full of humor - a reflection of the new Berlin and its youthful irreverence to tradition and convention and a reference to the Bauhaus movement, which was established exactly 100 years ago in Germany. In addition, a number of brand new art works from the recent Collage works series will be on view. These collages are made of recycled materials collected by Małecki for many years. They combine paper, wood and other materials. The way Małecki built the images composition is similar to how he creates the furniture. The PMQ exhibition will be followed by two days of workshops, where he will be sharing with the participants the collage and composition techniques.
3. Piotr & Kaja Depta-Kleśta
“Poster & sons”: Posters and Illustrations Exhibition.
Curator: Dr. Agnieszka Mori
The first solo exhibition in Hong Kong of award-winning polish designer’s duo. Piotr and Kaja Depta-Kleśta. Teachers at Academy of Art in Szczecin, Piotr and Kaja are interested in cultural issues. This exhibition will present selective Posters and Illustrations of their works.
For more information, please visit: http://www.pmq.org.hk/event/room-plus-exhibition/
Presented by: Consulate General of Poland in Hong Kong
Organized by: Kocham Polske Hong Kong
Supported by: Adam Mickiewicz Institute
Project Curator: Dr Agnieszka Mori
Dates: 28.04.2019 - 05.06.2019
Venue Partner: PMQ, S503, Staunton
Opening hours: 12:00pm -8:00pm
Presented by: Consulate General of Poland in Hong Kong
Organized by: Kocham Polske Hong Kong
Supported by: Adam Mickiewicz Institute
Project Curator: Dr Agnieszka Mori
Dates: 28.04.2019 - 05.06.2019
Venue Partner: PMQ, S503, Staunton
Opening hours: 12:00 pm -8:00 pm
“Around the Table – Polish Party”: Group Exhibition
Curator: Prof. Sławomir Fijałkowski, Concept Design: dr Marta Flisykowska (Gdansk Academy of Fine Art, Poland)
28.04 (Sun) Opening Ceremony 12-2pm
28.04-05.05 Public Exhibition 12-8pm
Studio Ziben
“RE&UP”: Furniture and Collage Exhibition | Curator: Dr. Agnieszka Mori
10.05 (Fri) Opening Ceremony, 7pm-9pm
11-12.05 RE&UP Workshops (HUB, PMQ)
11.05 (Sat) 3pm-7pm
12.05 (Sun) 11am-3pm
11.05- 21.05 Public Exhibition 12-8pm
Piotr & Kaja Depta-Kleśta
“Poster & sons”: Posters and Illustrations Exhibition
Curator: Dr. Agnieszka Mori
24.05 (Fri) Opening Ceremony, 7pm-9pm
25-26.05 Poster Design Workshops (S503, PMQ)
25.05 (Sat) 3pm-7pm
26.05 (Sun) 11am-3pm
25.05 - 05.06 Public Exhibition 12-8pm
JAPAN’S FIRST CONCEPT STORE IN HARAJUKU - TIFFANY @ CAT STREET
JAPAN’S FIRST CONCEPT STORE IN HARAJUKU, ―TIFFANY @ CAT STREET
Breakfast at Tiffany’s anyone…?
Tiffany & Co. opened its first concept store in Japan ― Tiffany @ Cat Street – in Harajuku on Friday, April 19. More so than any of the existing Tiffany & Co. stores in Japan, the experiential design for Tiffany @ Cat Street showcases the wit, creativity and timelessness of the brand. From jewelry to Home & Accessories, the store offers a thematically curated selection and presentation of iconic designs.
Tiffany @ Cat Street will be a Tiffany & Co. experience unlike any other. Unique for its elevated informality and playfulness, this dynamic space reflects an unusual and exciting expression of our brand,” said Richard Moore, divisional vice president—Global Store Design & Creative Visual Merchandising, Tiffany & Co
The futuristic architecture of the building coupled with the Tiffany @ Cat Street logo on an iconic Tiffany Blue® background makes the store truly stand out. Each of the store’s six levels presents a different selection of items and services. The caselines are complemented by a wall inspired by the famous Tiffany Blue Box® with floor-to-ceiling shelves to display pieces from jewelry and Home & Accessories collections, creating a captivating atmosphere.
“By opening this new concept store in an area where creative people gather for fashion, art and culture, we will showcase the brand in an environment that encourages customers to discover and rediscover the magical world of Tiffany,”
said Daniel Perel, president of Tiffany & Co. Japan.
The top floor will host the first Tiffany cafe in Japan, aptly named ―The Tiffany Cafe @ Cat Street. The café serves a range of foods and drinks from croissants and coffee to other New York City temptations such as hot dogs and cheese pretzels, and sweet treats such as Tiffany @ Cat Street donuts and cookies.
The first highlighted collection for the opening will be Tiffany T, the latest icon of Tiffany that embodies the energy and creativity of New York City. Also featured will be a curated assortment of items displayed in a unique way, from other iconic collections such as Tiffany HardWear and Tiffany Paper Flowers™ to the brand new Tiffany T True pieces. In addition, to celebrate the opening, limited edition charms in sterling silver, as well as in 18K rose gold engraved with the Tiffany @ Cat Street store logo are offered exclusively, while new Tiffany T Smile mini color pendant and bracelet sets in pink sapphire, yellow sapphire, and blue topaz made its worldwide debut at this special location.
Tiffany @ Cat Street was opened on Friday, April 19, 2019. The store layout is intentionally flexible so that it can be adapted and changed throughout its lifespan, creating a blank canvas for a rotation of Tiffany collections.
For more information of Tiffany @ Cat Street:
Tiffany @ Cat Street
Address: 6-14-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Floor area: 469.77 m2
URL: https://www.tiffany.com/jewelry-stores/cat-street
Tel: 0120-488-712
Opening hours: 11:00-19:00 (Cafe: 11:30-18:30 Last Order 18:00)
An Interview with the Architectural photographer Tae-ho Jeong
Architectural photographer Tae-ho Jeong graduated from Seoul Art College (Department of Photography) is acting as an expert photographer in the field of architecture and interior design. He represents Space Studio, is a regular member of KAPA (Korea Advertising Photographer Association), and works as the head of the photography department at the Interior Design Monthly. He held private exhibitions including Black and White Exhibition hosted by Yeon Art Gallery and Photo exhibition of Korea Interior Design hosted by Gwanhwoon Art Museum. He hosted a book publication ceremony <Light of Enlightenment - Vairocanna Buddha> and photo exhibition at Gallery LaMer, and held a private exhibition through the invite from Gyeongju World Culture Expo. As an active member of a diverse number of group exhibitions including the KAPA member exhibition and International Advertising Photo Exchange, he is remaining active in his work in related fields.
An Interview with Tae-ho Jeong
What are the major impressions you have in terms of differences in architectural photography and taking Buddha images?
I was committed in interior and architectural photography for the last 30 years in Korea. Then in recent 10 years, I devoted myself to showing Buddha images “as they are” with untainted documentary photography rather than through the approach of an architectural photographer. Architectural photography strongly involves capturing the beauty of artificial design and natural aspects together. Also, it is related to finding harmony between space and time.
In the contrary, reinterpreting the figures of delicately carved Buddha into conventional photographs, was challenging. In the beginning of my work, I spent several months to visit the same sites, consistently looking for the most perfect lighting from different times of the day. I eased myself as a photographer and tried to confront and reflect the nature itself as they are without artificial lighting and techniques. I made my best effort to “show them as they are” in purely documentary style photos.
What is your inspiration on showing Buddha images, and what is the message you’d like to convey?
Over 30 years of my career in architectural photography, I realized there is beauty of lines in oriental architecture, which led me to comprehend aesthetic matters from the figures of Buddhas. I personally believe Buddha himself has the most beautiful and generous smile of lines, embracing great depth of mercy. Furthermore, these thoughts guided me into a 10-year long master project.
I am a believer of Buddhism myself before I start my career as an architectural photographer and the teachings of Buddhism have encouraged my career with favorable result as a photographer. Not only just as a believer, but also as an architectural photographer, I think compiling and publishing all the images of the Buddhas scattered around Korea is one of the ways to contribute my skills to Buddhism in a meaningful way.
Over the 10 years of my project, I am strongly aware that numerous Buddhas were damaged from poor maintenance. I hope we all develop awareness of our vulnerable history. From a cultural perspective, the first Buddhist cultural book named <Light of Enlightenment - Vairocana Buddha> was published with a collection of 1,700 images of Buddhas, from the Unified Silla Period to the Chosun dynasty.
Also, I would like emphasis on the back of the Buddha statues to the world. Not a lot of people have the chance to see it and it has been misunderstood as solemn and obscure. Nonetheless, I can feel the monks have contributed significantly even on the rear part of the Buddha statues. I perceive that lines in the back of Buddha statues convey to the world great sense of energy and strength.
By taking this opportunity, I want to share the beauty of the lines of Vairocana Buddha. I hope this collection can bring more interests in Korean culture and Buddhism to everyone.
LIGHT BUILT ON A GREAT ROCK
When an event is held at a Buddhist temple, a flag called the ‘Tang’ is installed at the entrance of the temple. The pole where the flag is hung is called the ‘Tanggan’, and the two stone pillars on either side of the Tanggan’s to support the Tanggan is called the ‘Tanggan Jiju’. The Tanggan Jiju is set-up in front of the temple and is used to mark the sacred area. The biggest Tanggan Jiju in South Korea, At Gulsansa Temple, was built using one giant stone, and showcases the simple yet breathtaking beauty of sculptures. Built during the Unified Silla period, the 5.4 meter granite pillars vibrate with the power and wisdom of the Silla people. The sky was clearing after the evening rain.
A SMILE FROM THE HEAVEN
I cannot forget the moment I first saw the statue. The second it revealed itself from the dark museum storage (after requesting a viewing with much difficulty), I saw a treasured heavenly face, shining an endless smile upon me. I was lost for words for its dignified form did not succumb to flames hot enough to burn the body. The slightly imbalanced face allows mankind to realize ‘something’ deep inside their heart.
THE HEAVEN’S AND EARTH ARE ONE
The ‘Ji-kwon-in’ is a handshape which implies ‘reason and wisdom, all creatures and Buddha, and delusions and enlightenment are one by origin’. Thus, posing the Ji-kwon-in means ‘sound wisdom and rapid enlightenment can be attained through a devout disposition’. The basic form of the Ji-kwon-in holds the two hands in front of one’s chest, holds the left-hand’s forefinger up, and wraps it with the right-hand so the tip of the left-hand forefinger and bottom of the right-hand thumb touches each other. Granite may be well-known for its hardness but seems like it also cannot withstand the weight of time. This photo reflects my intention to focus on becoming one with Buddha and gaining inner peace and rest through the help of the flower blossoms on Buddha’s body.
“It was a big challenge and pleasure to seek out an untaken track. It is my honor to hold an exhibition before the important people who foretold me about the values of the challenge. It was a great pity that there was no guidebook on Buddhist images on the level of the whole country despite the fact that Buddhism had left numerous cultural heritages for us for 1700 years since the religion was introduced to this land.
But at last, it has materialized. I devoted myself to showing Buddha images “as they are” with untainted documentary photography rather than through the approach of an architectural photographer. Lastly, I would like to give big meaning to the fact that the photos collected in the book were surveyed and taken by myself without external assistance.
I would like to invite you to the photography exhibition at the Hong Kong Art Fair. It would be a great pleasure to see you at the event.
Thank you
Photographer Tae-Ho Jeong”
For more detail information, please visit: www.spacephotostudio.com or visit https://www.asiacontemporaryart.com
The Spring edition of the Asia Contemporary Art Show is held on the 40th to 43rd floors of the 5-star Conrad Hong Kong in Pacific Place.
DATES: March 29th - April 1st, 2019
UNIONPAY PRIVATE VIEW (by Invitation only)
Friday, March 29th - 3pm to 5pm
UNIONPAY VIP COLLECTORS PREVIEW (by Invitation only)
Friday, March 29th - 5pm to 9pm
GENERAL ADMISSION
Saturday, March 30th - 1pm to 8pm
Sunday, March 31st - 1 pm to 8pm
Monday, April 1st - 11am to 6pm
PARKING, MTR, TAXIS
The 5-star hotel is conveniently served by the MTR station in the basement of Pacific Place and has abundant car parking and taxi ranks outside the hotel or at Pacific Place 1 and 2.
VENUE ADDRESS
Conrad Hong Kong — Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong