Gicheok. Una Corriente Silenciosa. Lyu namgwon

Exhibition of three new works by Lyu namgwon, who reinterprets traditional Korean lacquerwork from a contemporary perspective. It is presented in the Galería Hanul of the Centro Cultural Coreano en España, in Madrid.

The title refers to « gicheok », a term meaning a sign: a trace of presence that can be perceived without being seen or touched. The pieces show how the artist applies the traditional Korean technique of lacquering to everyday objects, with a contemporary outlook.

Among the works is a lacquered tableware set created together with the Korean studio Studio Hinge, which gives a contemporary form to traditional ceramics. Two other pieces were made with designer Shim Seungyeon, and the set includes cups for makgeolli and lacquered tea cups. A video documents the creative process, and on the opening day an encounter with the artist takes place.

Lyu namgwon was a disciple of Park Gangyong, a master recognised as an intangible cultural heritage of lacquerwork in Jeonbuk Province. He won the Young Artisan Award, organised by the Yeol and Chanel Foundation. His works layer several coats of lacquer over hanji paper or mulberry paper.