'wind memory' chair by yunshik shim promotes harmony between eastern + western worlds

seoul-based artist yunshik shim created a geometric chair named ‘wind memory’ which intricately fuses wood and metal together. through the combination of these two materials, the design seeks to promote harmony and understanding between the eastern and western worlds. neat lines, solid volumes, and geometric punctured patterns complete the piece which takes shape as a detailed sculpture. 

all images courtesy of yunshik shim

the ‘wind memory’ chair is made of solid wood and brass, ultimately serving as the fusion product of the semantic and lyrical philosophy of the east and the visual and intuitive beauty of the west. ‘both metal and wood air have different properties, but if they are born into the earth, they will surely leave wonderful results like this chair if they harmonize with each other,’ shares yunshik shim. 

‘there is a difference between the cultures of the east and the west, but there are no differences between races and people,’ mentions yunshik shim. ‘the moment we acknowledge the difference, new cultures and values will emerge, and a new fusion will surely lead to a positive aspect in our lives,’ the artist shares. following this line of thought, this chair emerges as a story, a memory (sculpture) left behind by the wind,which serves as a symbol of freedom and equality given to all.

the design of the chair began with the stages of conception and sketching, before the materials were selected. after that, the artist used both 3D and actual modeling to scale the piece and determine its ideal ratio and dimensions. the metal was then cut to fit the scale, openwork was applied, and eventually filing and light treatment were applied too. a metal square folding machine was used to make the grooving, while angle folds were formed with the help of a laser welding machine. following the connection of the wood and the brass elements, metal parts were light-treated and the wood was finished with oil.

project info:

name: ‘wind memory’ chair
artist: yunshik shim