Heechan Kim on Sculpting Artworks That ‘Breathe’
A new collaboration between the artist and artisan jewellery maker Chaumet shows a shared reverence for the beauty of natural forms
A new collaboration between the artist and artisan jewellery maker Chaumet shows a shared reverence for the beauty of natural forms
In this video, New York-based Korean artist Heechan Kim works in his studio on a new commission with Frieze and jewellery maison Chaumet. Kim’s signature technique involves layering delicate strips of wood without permament adhesive, creating works that can ‘grow and shrink with the environment’ around them, or, as Kim also calls it, ‘breathe’.
Kim’s new work, premiering at Frieze Seoul 2024, sees the artist working for the first time with naturally lustrous walnut wood, a material that subtly reflects the radiance of Chaumet’s precious metals.
Just as Chaumet’s Bee My Love collection responds to naturally occuring patterns, Kim’s work echoes the intricacy of forms such as hives, sea shells and seed pods, with his approach to object-making allowing the pieces to evolve organically through a slow and intuitive process. ‘I love how Chaumet always takes inspiration from nature,’ he says.
Further Information
Frieze Seoul is at COEX, 4 – 7 September 2024.
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