The Hanji House Pavilion, conceived by Stefano Boeri Architetti, emerges as a site-specific installation in collaboration with the exhibition “Chun Kwang Young: Times Reimagined” at the Palazzo Contarini Polignac in Venice. This pavilion serves as a response to the exhibition’s showcase of Chun Kwang Young’s intricate mulberry-paper artworks.
Embracing Tradition
“Hanji” refers to the traditional Korean paper-making technique, renowned for its durability, derived from mulberry trees, earning it the moniker “thousand years paper.” Chun Kwang Young harnesses hanji as his primary medium, crafting mesmerizing sculptures and reliefs imbued with historical and cultural symbolism.
Architectural Dialogue
Nestled within the Palazzo’s gardens, overlooking Venice’s Grand Canal, the Hanji House Pavilion is a wooden structure resembling a lantern. Inspired by the art of paper folding, the pavilion’s design evokes ancient East Asian folding practices and tangram puzzles, as well as the modular geometry of traditional Korean and East Asian architecture.
Playful Elegance
Externally, the pavilion exudes an aura of playfulness and sophistication, akin to a precious object illuminating its Renaissance surroundings. Comprising four pyramids atop a parallelepiped base, the pavilion’s envelope forms a rhombus-shaped surface, inviting contemplation and exploration.
Immersive Experience
Internally, the Hanji House Pavilion hosts an interactive art installation developed by media artist Calvin J. Lee. Lee’s creation transforms Chun Kwang Young’s triangular hanji packages into virtual forms, offering visitors an immersive journey into the artist’s world. Within this tranquil environment, visitors can introspect and delve into the interconnected themes of Chun’s works.
Symbolism and Sustainability
Chun Kwang Young’s oeuvre, spanning three decades, delves into the interconnectedness of living beings and the socio-ecological dynamics that shape their existence. In highlighting the importance of interconnectedness, Chun underscores its role in fostering biodiversity and sustainability, essential for navigating adverse conditions and ensuring the survival of all life forms.
