[Gallery Walk] Traces of Time, Shapes of Light... Seodo Sik Solo Exhibition 'Deep Light'

Until the 30th, Space 21 in Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu
'Artistic Attempt' Illuminating Memories with Metal

The twelfth solo exhibition of metal craftsman Seo Do-sik (68), titled "Deep Light," is being held at Space21 in Seocho-gu, Seoul, until the 30th.

Metal craft artwork 'Hangari' by artist Seo Dosik [Photo by Space21]

This exhibition condenses the artist's over 40 years of artistic exploration and reflection, offering visitors a time of emotion and contemplation through about 20 three-dimensional and flat works. The exhibition title "Deep Light" visualizes memory as light, expressing its gentle emotions and embodying the process of reflecting on life.

The works on display consist of three-dimensional pieces shaped like jars and persimmons (hongsi) using traditional metals such as silver and copper, as well as bas-relief flat works. In particular, the jar piece "Seotdal" made of silver and the copper work "Hongsi on a Soban" finished with lacquer capture the artist's unique delicate details and profound emotions, drawing the audience's attention. Through these sculptures imbued with memory and emotion, viewers encounter not just artistic expression but a space for personal memories and empathy.

The works themed around persimmons evoke memories of time spent with family through their plump forms and warm colors, while also presenting a new interpretation of traditional aesthetics through modern sculptural beauty. The jar pieces, with their round and neat shapes reminiscent of traditional Korean white porcelain moon jars, incorporate a contemporary sensibility through the use of metal as a material and unique texture treatments. Above all, the hammer marks visible on the jar surfaces serve as traces engraved by time and narratives of memory, deepening the appreciation.

Metal craft artwork "Late Autumn" by artist Seo Do-sik [Photo provided by Space21]

The artist's work is based on highly skilled metalcraft techniques. His process of shaping metal plates by hammering them countless times goes beyond physical labor to resemble artistic meditation. In this process, the artist engraves his emotions and memories onto the metal surfaces, aiming to tell stories of life's joys, pains, and connections through his works.

He states, "Although the work involves physical labor, as I refine the jars and persimmons, my own character also transforms into a harmonious form," emphasizing that craftwork is a process of inner reflection.

This exhibition comprehensively showcases the artist's over 40-year journey of expressing human emotions most sensuously through the genre of craft. His works are not mere sculptures but mediums containing memories and thoughts, offering visitors a warm resonance like gentle light.

Artist Seodo Sik.

Seo Do-sik majored in Applied Arts at Seoul National University College of Fine Arts and specialized in Metalcraft in graduate school. After working at Konkuk University, he served as a professor at Seoul National University College of Fine Arts from 1994 until his retirement in 2021, dedicating himself to nurturing future artists. He has held positions such as Chairman of the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation and Chairman of the Korea Craft & Design Foundation, committing to the modern succession and development of Korean traditional crafts. Since his first solo exhibition in 1991, he has led efforts to promote the artistic value of crafts through numerous exhibitions at home and abroad. This exhibition marks his twelfth solo show.