The Charm of Nacre and Lacquer in Modern Clothing

Until the 27th, Insadong Yoon Gallery, Seolsong Solo Exhibition 'Balance'

Artist Seol Song, who has been working on paintings using traditional lacquer and mother-of-pearl, is holding a solo exhibition titled 'Balance' at Yoon Gallery in Insadong, Seoul, until the 27th.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] Artist Seol Song, who has been working with traditional lacquer and mother-of-pearl in his paintings, is holding a solo exhibition titled 'Balance' at Yoon Gallery in Insadong, Seoul, until the 27th.

The mother-of-pearl, a material the artist focuses on, leaves a deep impression with its vibrant colors and shimmering texture. The lacquer work also evokes the feel of traditional art, but the paintings within the frames carry a subtle resonance with contemporary artistic imagery. Through a balanced and harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, the artist delivers highly accomplished works that showcase distinctive individuality to the audience.

Having started painting and lacquer work simultaneously in middle school, the artist obtained the national certification of Cultural Heritage Repair Technician during high school, receiving formal training in lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlay. Seol Song is currently an inheritor of Seoul City’s Intangible Cultural Property No. 1 Chiljang (lacquer artisan), Son Daehyun (third generation of Sugok).

As the artist researched materials and gained professional knowledge, the desire for mixed media work grew. Majoring in Oriental painting, Seol Song explains that pursuing traditional elements became possible through combining lacquer, mother-of-pearl inlay, and coloring techniques.

The artist states that the geometric and schematic forms in the works represent reality, while the abstractly expressed shapes symbolize the ambiguous flow of latent emotions and flexible thinking within. Through repetitive patterns and geometric shapes, the artist immerses in creation and controls anxiety. While anxiety in reality consumes and causes pain, the life of creation becomes richer, the artist adds.

The works presented in this exhibition were created using various traditional techniques involving mother-of-pearl inlay, lacquer, and shell. The artist confesses that these materials have characteristics that make it difficult to expect accidental effects, requiring completion without corrections.

Regarding the materials, the artist said, "Lacquer was chosen because its unique deep color shows distinctiveness and its basic components strengthen durability, providing antibacterial, anti-fouling, insulating, and waterproof properties that allow the artwork to be preserved for a long time." He added, "Also, through the mysterious natural light emitted by mother-of-pearl, I wanted to convey rhythmic effects and promote Korean artistic sensibility."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.