junmyung song applies taxidermy techniques in furniture series made of sawdust and metal

sawdust makes up ‘Stuffing’ furniture series

The Stuffing Series by designer Junmyung Song metaphorically applies the concept of taxidermy to furniture design. Traditionally, taxidermy preserves the original form of a deceased being, allowing it to be remembered. Drawing inspiration from this process, the stool series explores how an object’s essence can persist through transformations in form and material.

The series uses sawdust as its primary material, historically employed in taxidermy as an internal substance to preserve forms. Here, sawdust shifts from its hidden, supportive role to the surface, shaping new forms of furniture. These forms are then cast in metal, blending the organic and artificial. The process contrasts the warm, textured quality of sawdust with the cold, rigid materiality of metal, creating a dialogue between natural and man-made, original and replica.

all images courtesy of Junmyung Song

Junmyung Song combines sawdust and metal

Sawdust, in this series, transcends its practical role, symbolizing transformation and reconfiguration. As a byproduct of trees—once-living organisms—it carries traces of decomposition yet gains new significance as a central element. By elevating this secondary material to prominence, Junmyung Song’s work challenges conventional boundaries: interior versus exterior, auxiliary versus central, life versus non-life.

The combination of sawdust and metal provokes a deeper question: ‘What defines essence? ‘The contrast between organic material and industrial techniques underscores this inquiry, suggesting that essence and identity extend beyond external appearances. Transformation and reconstruction, as demonstrated in the Stuffing Series, reveal how new meanings emerge through change and adaptation.

the warm texture of sawdust contrasts with the cold rigidity of metal in the Stuffing Series

Stuffing Series utilizes shimmering aluminum metal surfaces approximately 4mm thick

sawdust, traditionally used to preserve forms, becomes a visible sculptural element in this series

metal casting brings the sawdust-formed pieces to life, blending organic and artificial materials

the stools symbolize transformation, showing how objects gain new meanings through change

Stuffing Series challenges boundaries between interior and exterior, life and non-life

the dialogue between organic and inorganic elements prompts questions about objects’ essence

cast-metal replicas of sawdust-formed pieces blur the lines between original and replica

transformation and reconstruction emerge as central themes in the Stuffing Series

project info:

name: Stuffing series
designer: Junmyung Song

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom