Lotte Department Store Exhibits Craftworks at 3 Gallery Locations

A customer is viewing an exhibition at Jamsil Lotte Gallery.

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Lotte Department Store is showcasing an exhibition of over 350 craft works by more than 20 renowned domestic artists at three galleries located in Jamsil, Dongtan, and the main branch.

According to Lotte Department Store on the 5th, the Jamsil Lotte Gallery has been transformed into a premium gallery for this exhibition. Kang Sinjae, the director who has served as art director at events such as the Craft Trend Fair and Milan Design Week, bringing a unique sensibility, participated in the exhibition planning and spatial direction. Breaking away from the conventional open and flat gallery format, the focus was on creating an environment where craft works stand out more prominently. True to the exhibition theme at Jamsil, "Making the Familiar Strange," the lighting, artwork arrangement, interior, and flow were designed to feel unfamiliar, enhancing immersion.

A total of about 250 works are exhibited, encompassing a diverse range from traditional techniques to modern methods. The exhibition features various craft works by 15 artists, including Shin Kyungkyun, regarded as a master of Korean Buncheong tea bowls, as well as Kang Seokgeun, Kim Dongwan, and Heo Yujeong. The types of works are also diverse, including teacups, bowls, furniture, objects, and ceramics. Beyond the exhibition, a private experience event is held in a space created by filling water on the gallery floor and floating an island-like platform, where visitors can enjoy tea using Shin’s tea bowls.

At the Dongtan gallery, furniture designer Moon Seungji’s exhibition is planned. From the 15th of this month to August 24th, the artist’s first solo exhibition titled "Collection of Sculptures" will be held. Moon is an artist who has gained significant attention from the MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z) by showcasing works created through collaborations with various global partners based on a strong environmental philosophy. This exhibition will present about 30 pieces, including flat works and furniture (sculptures).

Additionally, at the main branch’s AvenueL Gallery, a craft exhibition titled "Beautiful Objects" is currently underway. It features works by six artists, including Lee Jiho, a master of Bangjja Yugi (Korean traditional brassware), and will run until the end of next month.

Kim Youngae, head of the Art Contents Office, stated, “Craft is regarded as art imbued with practicality and has recently gained great popularity among the MZ generation due to its value of rarity. As Korean crafts are receiving global attention, we plan to continue holding various exhibitions that can promote the beauty of Korea.”