Beomjong. Wall light

Beomjong. Wall light, 2023 by Wknd Lab
Color: Ivory, gold
Size: 14 x 78 x 30 cm
Material: Copper, Aluminium
Usage: Lighting
Weight: 6 kg

Beomjong light is inspired by a traditional Korean bell that has more than 1000 years of history. Bells play a crucial role in a variety of Buddhist services and rituals; their sound is considered auspicious and is believed to bringnpeace and comfort to all sentient beings.

The bell shape looks like an upside-down urn. As the sound of the bell represents peace and the energy of life, WKND Lab tried to capture that and transfer it into the wave of light. Furthermore, a single flat copper plate was processed through spinning processing and the surface of the bell was finished using the ancient Chilbo(cloisonné) technique in collaboration with artist Jeongkeun Park. It shows the visual substitution potential of various conventional materials such as metal, ceramics, and glass as well as reviving the tradition crafts.

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WKND Lab, a duo designer studio founded by Eunji Jun and Halin Lee. WKND Lab’s work field varies from material research, object, to furniture design. All with material-driven narratives to tell our philosophy about relationships between design, humans, and nature. The studio pursues simple design that reflects the beautiful texture and color of the founded material. With their designed objects, they aim to introduce and deliver narratives into peoples' lifestyles, suggesting not just esthetic but also sustainable alternatives.
Wkend Lab believe that the users have a deep thirst to re-invent forgotten materials and craftsmanship. As Korean designers they believe that their culture has far more to offer than Kpop and K-dramas. The designers want to go beyond the conventional representation of traditional craft techniques, they would like to propose a new way of looking from a new perspective combined with the contemporary aesthetics that they pursue.

Globalization of the whole world was rapidly triggered as national borders online disappeared. The world is becoming a new mixed culture altogether. Accordingly, the longing for the traditional identity is also occurring simultaneously. However traditional craftsmanship is being replaced with fast mass-produced goods. Also, even the items in the market that claim that they are inspired by traditional methods are made similar only in appearance, and there are many cases where traditional materials are not actually used.