"Korea is the epicenter of elevating craft into the world of design," said Simon Stewart, CEO of Charles Burnand Gallery, during a press conference on August 31 at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul. He highlighted the strength of Korean design in its 'material expansion,' noting that artists are breaking traditional boundaries by incorporating previously unused materials alongside traditional crafts like hanji and ceramics.
Stewart stated, "The passionate exploration of new materials is unique to Korean artists, who are creating new forms by transcending material boundaries."
This year's 'Design Miami Seoul 2026' exemplifies this expansion. While last year focused on introducing Korean design to the world, this year’s event has broadened its scope to become a 'collectible design fair' where global galleries and collectors can meet in Seoul to buy and sell works. The aim is to establish a market for 'collectible design' that combines practicality, artistry, and rarity.
The theme for this year's event, 'Together, Resonance,' encompasses a comprehensive collectible design platform featuring gallery programs, in-situ exhibitions, partner programs, and design talks. It also marks the first global stage for Design Miami this year, starting in Seoul before moving to Paris and Miami.
A notable addition is the newly introduced 'Gallery Program,' featuring six global galleries that will exhibit and sell works. The London-based Charles Burnand Gallery will showcase a group exhibition titled 'Material Echoes,' exploring various materials such as bronze, copper, wood, and ceramics. Artists from Korea, China, Europe, and the United States will participate, including the 'Postura Collection' of bronze furniture crafted by New York's Baguhai.
Stewart remarked, "Korea is well-known for its crafts like hanji and ceramics, but it is remarkable that recent Korean designers are actively incorporating unique materials not traditionally used in crafts into their designs." He expressed a desire to promote Korean artists to a global audience.
Additionally, galleries and designers from both domestic and international backgrounds, including Alex Turco, Side Gallery, Stack, and In Gallery, will present a variety of collectible designs that incorporate natural materials, light, modular furniture, and a blend of Korean materials with modern forms.
Design Miami in situ will introduce emerging and established designers working across various fields, including lighting, furniture, ceramics, and sculptural design. Domestic designers such as Kwon Jung-mo, Lee Kyu-hong, and Cheon Woo-seon will be featured alongside international designers like Taiwan's Design Surfing and Japan's Yuki Nara.
Lead partner Samsung Electronics will unveil a collaborative series that combines works by Korean artists with custom frames for Samsung OLED TVs, based on the philosophy that 'design is an expression of love.'
Mauro Porcini, Samsung's Chief Design Officer, stated, "For the past two to three years, Samsung has been exploring how to express individual identity and uniqueness while utilizing advanced technology in our products. We are attempting to break away from a standardized industrial structure with customizable bespoke products."
Design Miami aims to establish Seoul as a hub for the collectible design market in Asia. Jen Roberts, CEO of Design Miami, emphasized, "Seoul is not just a city for one-time events but a market that we can grow together in the long term. The theme 'Together, Resonance' conveys that design transcends time and place to communicate memories, knowledge, and emotions."
Cha Kang-hee, CEO of the Seoul Design Foundation, stated, "Seoul is evolving from a city that introduces new designs to a design city where global galleries, designers, and collectors gather to create markets and discourse. We will strive to position DDP as a venue for encountering world-class design works and a global platform that activates markets and business for Asian designers to reach the world."
The exhibition runs until September 6.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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