London Korean Links

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Infinite Blue: A dialogue between East and West, at Han Collection

Date: Saturday 5 October - Saturday 26 October 2024
Venue:
Han Collection | 10 Bury Place | Bloomsbury | London WC1A 2JL | | [Map]

Tickets: Free | Gallery exhibition notice here
Monday to Saturday: 10:30 AM - 6 PM | Closed on Sundays

Infinite Blue poster

This unique showcase features the works of two distinguished artists: Huh Sangwook from South Korea, and Piet Stockmans from Belgium. Their selected works explore the colour blue, serving as a bridge between Western and Eastern artistic traditions and philosophies.

Cobalt Blue has been a sought-after pigment throughout the centuries, prized for its vivid hue and versatility in ceramics. It traveled along the Silk Road, inspiring and enriching cultural exchanges between East and West. This precious pigment has captivated artists and craftsmen alike, from ancient times to the present day, influencing aesthetics across continents.

Huh Sangwook, a Loewe Craft Prize finalist in 2022, brings a contemporary Korean perspective to the exhibition. His work is a testament to the rich tradition of buncheong ceramics, a style known for its dynamic motifs and intricate bakji sgraffito techniques. Huh’s pieces are characterised by their playful spirit, seamlessly merging traditional techniques with modern sensibilities.

Piet Stockmans, with a career spanning over five decades, has continually pushed the boundaries of ceramic art. Renowned for his minimalist approach and meticulous craftsmanship, Stockmans’s creations are celebrated for their delicate forms and striking use of colour. From intricate vessels to monumental installations, his works evoke a sense of serene elegance.

The dialogue between Stockmans and Huh in this exhibition goes beyond mere visual aesthetics. Their works engage in a silent conversation about the profound significance of blue across different cultures and historical contexts.