Korea, a bastion in Asia of a culture of exceptional arts and crafts, is today shaping the latest generation of arts and crafts thanks to an active community of artisans, creators and enthusiasts. Through the works of six Korean artists presented at this Banquet, this exhibition explores a new age of the earth and reinterprets nature in an innovative way, offering a form of craftsmanship of unique subtlety and elegance.
Timeless Touch: From the Soil to the Soul
Korea has a long history as a center of craft culture and is home to many traditional artisan skills, including the world’s oldest movable metal type, listed as a UNESCO Memory of the World. Today, Korea is forging a new form of craft culture with a diverse community of artisans, designers, and craft enthusiasts. These crafts range from traditional forms that embody wisdom passed down through generations to modern creations that reflect the creative imagination of artisans. The six Korean artists featured in this exhibition present a refined aesthetic of Korean craft, expanding on existing techniques and creating their own through dedicated work with materials such as metal, glass, and paper. Their work reflects the deep connection between land, tradition, and innovation, offering fresh interpretations of nature and the passage of time. Among them, Cho Sung-ho stands out with his ability to capture the essence of Korea's land, engraving its history and spirit into metal over the years. Park Sung-hoon creates a unique sense of space through glassblowing and coldworking techniques; Ko Hye-jeong uses a micro-welder to join small pieces of metal, revealing the delicate form of a dandelion, poised to take flight; Hong Jae-kyung breathes life into paper sculptures; Jeon A-hyun explores three-dimensional mountain scenes in small cubes; and Lee Tae-hoon uses filigree cane and glassblowing techniques to craft ethereal, light glass objects. Through their work, these artists capture the essence of the land beneath our feet and offer thoughtful interpretations of nature. Together, they present a new wave of Korean craft—one that combines sensitivity and elegance—and extend a warm greeting from Korea through the extraordinary touch of their hands.
The Cheongju Craft Biennale 2025, offering a look at the latest trends and future developments in global craft, will open in September 2025. First held in 1999, the Biennale will celebrate its 14th edition and explore the fundamental values and alternative practices of craft through various events, including craft exhibitions, forums, the Cheongju International Craft Competition, and craft education programs, under the theme ‘Re Crafting Tomorrow’.
