Hong Kong Design Centre

Following acclaimed editions in Milan and Hong Kong, Confluence: 20+, the roving exhibition organised by Hong Kong Design Centre, arrived in Seoul. Staged at Dongaemum Design Plaza, ‘confluence’ doubles up as both metaphor and spatial design cue in the Seoul edition.

As curator Amy Chow notes, “the exhibition space echoes very well with our theme of a river. The exhibits along the ramp creates a divergence, akin to rocks and pebbles, where people can weave around and appreciate each piece, then it opens up at the Gallery space, where people can gather and hang out.”

Like Hong Kong, Seoul’s culture is very much rooted in craftsmanship. As such, traditional materials including clay and fabric take prominence, while the ethos of passing heritage from one generation to the next is highlighted. Observing the uniqueness of South Korean design, Amy notes, “South Korean design is lively, related to the everyday and humorous. I admire their attention to detail, and it’s something that I experienced while setting up the exhibition.”

Confluence: 20+ pays tribute to the unique possibilities of everyday objects. in the deft hands of the participating designers, a vase, necklace or tea stall points to a vision that transgresses personal, disciplinary and social boundaries, and ask the question: what, exactly, is ‘humane design’? And what role do these objects play in breaking down barriers?

“The challenge is to bring the focus back to the people. As a result, what the designers present will instill an element of surprise in the audience,” says Amy.

After Seoul, the exhibition is set to travel across the pond to Chicago. Stay tuned!

Date:  14 Oct – 5 Nov 2017
Time: Tuesday to Saturday: 12:00 - 7:00pm; Closed on Sundays and Mondays
Venue:  3/F Block Thirty Seven, 108 North State Street, Chicago, IL 60602
Free admission and open to public