British, French artists to show traditions of their countries
White vases by Ko Hee-sook. (Craft Trend Fair)
The biggest showcase of craftwork in Korea will be held from Thursday to Sunday at Coex in Seoul, presenting unique and creative works made by more than 600 artists.
The 8th Craft Trend Fair will feature a wide range of craftworks such as tableware, home decor items, accessories, stationary and clothes designed by Korean, French and British artists.
Craft galleries and lifestyle brands are also participating in the fair, presenting a diverse array of lifestyle objects and gift ideas for the holiday season.
“The fair will bridge the gap between the public and the craft world and help people build a better lifestyle. The trend fair will be a meaningful event if craftworks can enrich everyday life,” said Choi Jung-chul, director of the Korea Craft and Design Foundation, organizer of the fair.
“Avian Flu” by Luke Jerram. (Craft Trend Fair)
A special exhibition showcases the latest crafts trends, featuring works with high design quality and innovative techniques. The exhibition themed “White” presents simplicity and extravagance in craftworks designed by ceramic artists Ko Hee-sook and Gwon Dae-seop, as well as British artist Luke Jerram, who is known for glass sculptures.
French and British artists invited as special guests showcase the skills, unique designs and craft traditions of their countries.
The Crafts Council from the U.K., an agency for contemporary craft art, offers a glimpse of how popular craftworks are made in a behind-the-scenes video at the fair. French promotional agency for crafts Ateliers d’Art de France showcases the distinct skills and styles of 10 French provinces including Limoges and Bourgogne.
Each Korean province shows craftworks made by local artisans such as mother-of-pearl lacquerware from Tongyeong and ceramics from Icheon.
Creative craftworks made by students and young designers are also on view at the “Creative Workshop” set up in the fair venue.
“Composition of Energy in Dynamic Whirlpool” by Pyeon Jong-pil (Craft Trend Fair)
The fair also invites visitors to seminars on recent consumer trends in the craft market. Chinese consumer trends and craft trends in the U.K. and France will be discussed in the seminars.
The fair is held at Hall A of Coex in Samseong-dong, Gangnam, Seoul. Admission is 5,000 won. The fair opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m. from Thursday to Saturday. The fair closes on 6 p.m. on Sunday.
For more information, visit craftfair.kcdf.kr.
By Lee Woo-young
http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20131218000828
