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Korea Zinc held its first metalworks exhibition, ‘Long-Lasting Objects of Metalsmiths’ in collaboration with the Seoul Museum of Craft Art, the first public craft museum in Korea. The exhibition is an implicit expression of objects that can be used for a long time, similar to a fountain pen. Under one of today’s biggest global theme, ‘sustainability’, the exhibition introduces craft-based production and lifestyles found in the artists’ artworks based on their personal daily experiences. It presents craft as a means for sustainable production, consumption, and everyday life, aligning with the current worldwide emphasis on sustainability.

The ‘Long-Lasting Objects of Metalsmiths’ exhibition showcases the practices of metalwork artists who aspire towards a sustainable future, unveiling the stories behind the artworks and production processes of past winners of the Metalwork & Jewelry Award*, sponsored by Korea Zinc. In particular, the exhibition highlights the identity of the 2023 KZ Project by incorporating copper foil, a key material in batteries currently undergoing mass production, into both the artworks and exhibition designs.

*It was established in 2013 to support the creative activities of talented artists and foster the development of contemporary metalwork and jewelry in Korea. It has been sponsored by Korea Zinc for more than a decade, contributing to the advancement of metalwork in Korea.

Many important guests, including Kyung-ju Choi, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s cultural division and Hong-nam Kim, Honorary Director of the Seoul Museum of Craft Art, attended the opening ceremony held on December 19th.

Mookyung Jung, president of sustainability management unit of Korea Zinc said “The KZ Project, starting with ‘Long-Lasting Objects of Metalsmiths’, plans to explore the development of the craft field and address the contemporary challenge of sustainability. We plan to continue collaborating with the Seoul Museum of Craft Art, conducting various exhibitions and programs. By doing so, we hope to contribute to the advancement of Korean crafts, taking it to the next level.” Soung Cheul Park, a representative of the 18 past award-winning artists, also expressed gratitude on behalf of the recipients for Korea Zinc’s decade-long support for sustainable metalworks.

In the first exhibition zone called ‘Exploring the Materials’, artists showcased their process of selecting innovative and environmentally friendly materials. The artworks demonstrate a transformative journey where natural elements such as gemstones, mother-of-pearls, threads, and wood encounter metals, create heterogeneous pieces. The meticulous and sophisticated techniques, combined with a profound understanding of metal properties, reflect an in-depth exploration undertaken by each artist in their works.

One notable artist, Jae-sun Won, who consistently explored the formability created by lines, expressed a rich texture through the conflicting properties of the two materials by winding a warm-touch color thread around a cold, sharp-feeling stainless steel line. Shin-ryeong Kim, another artist, who expressed visual illusion by using silver and the marriage of metals technique, presented works that portrayed modern images using colorful colors unique to mother-of-pearl.

▲ From the left, works by artists Lee Youngjoo, Han San-deok, Cheon Woosun, Won Jaesun, Kim Shin-Ryeong, Kim Yeonkyung

In the“Revitalizing and Recycling” zone, objects once deemed worthless and put for disposal are transformed into artworks that go beyond ordinary recycled products. While we often easily buy, use, and discard various objects, craftsmen encourage us to reflect on our lives through carefully crafted artworks that carry artistic significance.

In particular, artist Ji-hee Hong brought broken wooden bowls to life by meticulously refining each piece and adding color to create brooches that highlight the natural grain of the wood. Meanwhile, artist Ji-eun Park not only incorporated an actual candy tin case into her artwork, providing visible evidence of its prior utility, but also went above and beyond by enhancing the beauty of the piece with eco-friendly lacquer instead of paint. This showcases the practical commitment of a craftsman to environmental considerations, highlighting the artist’s dedication to mindful crafts.

▲ From the left, works by artists Hong Ji Hee, Cho Sungho, Park Jieun

The third zone called ‘Contributing to Everyday Life’, tells the stories of craftsmen who strive to enrich our daily lives by crafting useful objects that beautify common spaces. Their creations aim to make each day more vibrant by adding aesthetic value to the objects we use in our daily routines.

Representatively, artist Mee-kyeong Park, presented a landscape of craft life that considers crafts as life, explaining that the process and result of the ‘traces’ left behind by shaping metal surfaces through hammering and the ‘grains’ encountered when piling ‘layers’ of lacquer on top of the trace are very similar to the process of life.

Artist Hyun-sung Kim showcased the versatility of functional objects such as chairs and candle holders, demonstrating how they can also serve as decorative items, enriching the expressions of everyday spaces. Artist So-won Joo created a unique scene of daily life with exquisitely crafted tableware and a chandelier that express a refined sense of aesthetics, while artist Dong-hyun Kim created teapots and vases that can easily be used every day, yet each item conveys its own narrative, reflecting the artist’s intention to communicate through these objects.

▲ From the left, works by artists Park Mee-kyeong, Kim Dong-hyun, Lee Seung Hyun, Kim SeokYoung, Joo Sowon, Kim Hyun Sung

The final zone, ‘Considering the Craft Environment’ provides an opportunity to explore how the lifestyle and work environment of craftsmen influence their artistic tendencies and, in turn, impact their artworks. It offers an engaging exploration into how the intricacies of the life of craftsmen shape their creative expressions.

Artist Hyun-seok Sim enjoys the action of gardening while creating his own gardening tools such as a trowel, homi, and hoe to share the joy of crafting used for his daily hobby, enriching his everyday life. On the other hand, artist Kwang-hun Hyun, highlights the functionality and structure of objects, showcasing moving screws in watches and cameras, with a focus on machinery. He suggests that the creation of objects that portray the same meaning through both their internal and external appearance, enables a deeper connection with the essence of these objects. Lastly, for artist Soung-chuel Park, presents works meticulously crafted by hammering and shaping metal plates while arranging hammers and an old workbench used in his actual workspace, reminiscent of a miniature version of a workshop in Mullae-dong. This arrangement provides a glimpse into the artist’s efforts towards sustainability in life.

▲ From the left, works by artists Sim Hyun-seok, Hyun Kwanghun, Park Soung Chuel

The exhibition offers various perspectives on ‘crafts’ and ‘sustainability’ for each artist by providing video interviews along with their works. In the ‘An Invitation of Craftsmen’ zone, the central area of the exhibition, the tools of participating artists are displayed, and the archive corner showcases various contents related to the past ’Metalwork & Jewelry Award‘. In particular, the separate display of <The Copper Age> features artworks newly created using copper foil provided by Korea Zinc. Feel free to experience the artworks that have been infused with the breath of art, bringing new life to countless discarded objects.

Through the ‘Long-Lasting Objects of Metalsmiths’ exhibition, it is expected that many visitors will discover the important value of ‘sustainability’, applicable to their daily lives and get inspired to dream of a healthier future. Instead of feeling the heavy obligation to go out of the way to live a sustainable life, it is important to reflect on the small details in our daily lives. Moving forward, Korea Zinc will continue to support various cultural and artistic sponsorship projects to contribute to creating a healthier and more sustainable future!