Executed in 2014.

Korean sculptor, artist and furniture designer Byung Hoon Choi focuses on bringing together opposing forms and textures into his compositions. Known for bringing Korean influences into modern furniture design, Choi creates tranquil works of art that are executed as functional domestic objects. The juxtaposition of materials and textures visible in the artist’s works are meant to parallel the paradox of Zen Taoism: “the harmony of unifying differences.” [1] Through his Taoist practice, he is able to bring a meticulous balance to each individual creation.

In beyond the image 014-16, Choi unites smooth white marble with a seemingly untouched natural stone. Together, they offer a place of respite. When speaking about his principles and philosophies, the artist stated, “For some decades now, I have combined the natural world with the meditative state — at the same time synthesizing contemporary aesthetics and traditional design elements constructed from the Korean history of art and culture.” [2]

[1] Chung-Yuan Chang, Creativity and Taoism, London, 2011
[2] N. Azzarello, 'Byung Hoon Choi Interview on ‘Water Meditation’' in designboom | architecture & design magazine, November 11, 2016, https://www.designboom.com/design/byung-hoon-choi-interview-friedman-benda-water-meditation-11-11-2016/