basalt benches by byung hoon choi for design miami/basel 2015

korean designer and master craftsman byung hoon choi introduces a solo-installation at design miami/basel 2015, embodying his distinct division between the traditional characteristics of sculpture, object, and space. presented by new york-based gallery friedman benda, choi’s exhibition offers the experience of entering a place of meditation. visitors are prompted to pause and take a moment to engage and reflect on each of the pieces, forming an organic landscape that recalls a zen garden.

courtesy of friedman benda and byung hoon choi
photography by james harris

afterimage of the beginning 015-426, 2015

cut from singular pieces of basalt, each of the sculptural seats are monumental and complex, uniting a diverse selection of surfaces and textures. raw meets refined and smooth intersects polished to create remarkably balanced compositions. the form and configuration of the benches refer to the gestural brushstrokes of traditional ink painting, and the ancient dolmens of the choi’s native korea. the artist’s distinct mark is evident in the contrast between lightness and mass, as well as the tension between crafted and natural elements, relationships that recall the duplicity of yin and yang.

afterimage of the beginning 015-430, 2015
basalt, 21.65 x 145.67 x 34.65 inches / 55 x 370 x 88 cm.

afterimage of the beginning 015-430, 2015
basalt, 21.65 x 145.67 x 34.65 inches / 55 x 370 x 88 cm.

afterimage of the beginning 015-430, 2015

afterimage of the beginning 015-429, 2015
basalt, 19.69 x 161.42 x 62.99 inches / 50 x 410 x 160 cm

afterimage of the beginning 015-429, 2015

afterimage of the beginning 015-428, 2015
basalt, 11.81 x 94.49 x 29.53 inches / 30 x 240 x 75 cm.

courtesy of friedman benda and byung hoon choi
photography by james harris

courtesy of friedman benda and byung hoon choi
photography by james harris

afterimage of the beginning: in exhibit
photography by james harris