Flow Gallery presents a duo exhibition of Seong-Il Hong and Hye-Jin Lee, ceramic artists who founded Nosan Claystudio. The studio specialises in teaware, from South Korea’s Boseong region. Boseong is known for its scenic tea plantations; this heritage of the land is complemented by a tradition of teaware. The refined functional wares of this exhibition express this vibrant tea culture, which seeks beauty in everyday moments.
“Unlike pure art, crafts serve as a medium for communication, enabling people to connect with one another. I discovered that teawares, in particular, are captivating because they allow individuals to enjoy a more leisurely and beautiful aesthetic experience in their daily lives.
While there are mass-produced wares that are widely used, the world of art I pursue focuses on creating delicate and intricate pieces with more care. I want those who view my work to find their own aesthetic sense and meaning in it, allowing the pieces to remain significant in their lives for a long time.
Bridging the gap between “good-looking” pottery and “good-to-use” pottery, teaware is a craft that neither overflows nor excludes its functional or aesthetic elements, but is special to everyone. This balance is at the heart of my creations.
This is my approach to creating pottery, and I hope that those who encounter my work will feel its essence. As the saying goes, ‘Big changes start from small things,’ I will continue to strive to create works that remain a friendly presence in our ever-changing lives.”
- Seong-Il Hong
To celebrate the exhibition, Seong-Il Hong & Hye-Jin Lee will be leading a tea-tasting at Flow Gallery on the 25th and 26th September.
The tastings will bring to life Korean tea culture, and lend new appreciation for the specific ceramic traditions of the Boseong region. They will offer several types of tea, alongside Korean “tea food”. This mirrors Seong-Il Hong and Hye-Jin Lee’s ceramic studio and gallery in Boseong, where they also run a tea house and enjoy sharing tea with visitors. This event has now taken place.
