seungtae jang expands his ‘wrapping series’

 

Continuing his exploration of waste in the design industry, Seungtae Jang expands his WRAPPING Series with a focus on advocating for marginalized members of society. By engulfing discarded objects in layers of epoxy resin, Jang breathes new life into these materials, transforming them into sturdy and visually striking furniture pieces. His latest creations combine shoes, used chairs, toilets, and cleaning supplies to shed light on issues such as waste management, discrimination, and capitalist inequality. ‘Through wrapping, I have brought out the hidden stories of our society and created chairs symbolizing them,’ the artist notes.

discarded chairs, shoes, and toilets wrapped in resin by Seungtae Jang shed light on social discrimination 
an exploration of waste in the design industry | all images courtesy of Seungtae Jang

 

 

discarded objects transformed into furniture with resin

 

Confronting the multifaceted issues surrounding sneaker culture, Seungtae Jang delves into commentary on waste management, labor exploitation, and environmental pollution. The new series’ first artwork seeks to bring attention to the hidden truths behind the shoe industry, as he highlights the plight of laborers. By collecting discarded shoes and chairs and wrapping them in resin, the artist begins to advocate for change as he aspires to symbolically provide shelter and amplify the voices of those seeking better conditions.

 

Next in the series, Jang turns his attention to tell the story of janitors, who despite their integral role in our daily lives, lack a space to call their own in the spaces that they clean, often left to rest in only small, empty areas. In response, the artist crafts a chair that combines discarded chairs, brooms, and even a toilet to tell their story. Though it may appear uncomfortable, this unconventional seating represents the overlooked plight of janitors who often turn to these objects for a moment of rest. 

discarded chairs, shoes, and toilets wrapped in resin by Seungtae Jang shed light on social discrimination 
Seungtae Jang wraps discarded chair and sneakers in layers of resin

discarded chairs, shoes, and toilets wrapped in resin by Seungtae Jang shed light on social discrimination 
the series sheds light on issues such as waste management, discrimination, and capitalist inequality

discarded chairs, shoes, and toilets wrapped in resin by Seungtae Jang shed light on social discrimination 
abandoned toilet and chair

discarded chairs, shoes, and toilets wrapped in resin by Seungtae Jang shed light on social discrimination 
the chair’s seeming discomfort raises awareness for the marginalization faced by janitors

discarded chairs, shoes, and toilets wrapped in resin by Seungtae Jang shed light on social discrimination 
the epoxy resin transforms the objects in into sturdy furniture pieces

wrapping series
before the wrapping

wrapping series
abandoned chairs given new life

wrapping series

 

 

project info:

 

name: WRAPPING Series
designer: Seungtae Jang

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: ravail khan | designboom