Page 76 - Architectural Digest - USA (February 2020)

SEOUL SENSAT

Kwangho Lee

“All of my work comes from the same place—material experimentation,” says Lee. In 2006,
for his graduation project at Hongik University, he showcased a series of lights made from
draped and woven electrical wire. Soon he was weaving chunky chairs and sofas from PVC
and other unconventional cords and applying enameled copper to cabinets and dining tables,
using an ancient technique often applied to small bowls and vases en masse. These days
he’s investigating 3-D printing and aluminum sand casting. “There’s this innate Korean
quality of fastness,” he says, “wanting to learn something fast, show something fast.” A star of
Salon 94 Design’s roster, he has harnessed that creative momentum, building a community
of local designers in the once-industrial Seongsu-dong neighborhood, where he leases studios
to young creatives and champions Korean talents at his exhibition space, Supply Seoul. Lately
he’s noticed “the world has begun to appreciate our newness.” kwangholee.com

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