Rahee Yoon
Scoul-based designer and artist Rahee Yoon, who has been run-ning her own studio since 2017,is renowned for her experimen-tal works exploring the characteristies of diferent materials.She has ventured into metal, textiles, ceramies, and handicrafts.Norably, she has created a series of distinetive art pieces usingacrylie and established collaborations with renowned architec-rural firms such as WGNB and LABOTORY.
Each of her works presents a unique display of subtle beauty,seamlessly integrating che raw features of che materials wichserendipicous outcomes, This results in visually striking yet un-stable expressions that ranscend conventional boundaries.Through composed and dynamie forms, her works convey genu-ine inner emotions in a simple yet profound manner.
- Art: Rahee Yoon
- Photos: Sooin Jang
When did you first encounter acrylic, and what led you to choose it as your creative material?
Before delving into my main body of work in 2017, I spent around 8 years as a freelance display designer. Acrylic was the predominant material I worked with during that period. The ongoing exploration of how to enhance this material and the continual consideration of future experiments constitute integral aspects of my current artistic process.
In practice, I deliberately distance myself from the term 'acrylic' as a noun while engrossed in my work with this material. Despite acknowledging its less-than-100-year history and its prevailing image, I make a conscious effort to momentarily set these aside. Instead, I concentrate on the adjectives and verbs that arise when working with acrylic, such as 'subtly deviates' 'deeply overlaps' and 'gradually becomes opaque'.
Aesthetic elements in your works, such as blurring, diffusion, permeation, and blank space, are they related to your specific cultural background?
The surface of my work delicately embraces transparency, textures oscillate between rough and smooth, and colors gather before gently dispersing. For me, the essence of the creative process lies in contrast, involving an interchange of opposing elements. I strive to capture this complexity in a simple manner.
The visual effects, such as blurring and diffusion, that arise from this process are not intentional.To me, Korea also embodies contrast. It is both rustic and refined, rough yet polished, deliberate yet accidental, and sharp yet beautiful.
For you, does the narrative of the product exist before it’s functionality?
I begin with a vague narrative or image and make an effort to sustain its presence throughout the entire creation process until the work is complete.
What was the inspiration for 'Time Block'?
'Time Block' is an object series delicately capturing the forms and colors observed in the underwater landscape of a sunken ship, referred to as a 'Time Capsule.' The 'Block' series is a collection where hand-dyed acrylic pieces are subtly enclosed within transparent blocks, creating a serene vibration. In 'Time Block' the colors of underwater artifacts, such as the shade of Goryeo Dynasty celadon, the green glaze of the celadon prop, the faded hue of white porcelain, and the weathered brown of a pottery jar, are encapsulated.
Among your current projects, which ones are the most experimental or significant in terms of evolution?
I am currently working on a table project commissioned by a gallery in LA. This is the largest project I have undertaken so far, and I've heard that only 3-4 factories worldwide are capable of producing something of this scale. Despite six attempts, the project has not been successful yet. While the success of this table and any technical advancements are important, what truly matters is the attitude of the technician attempting to complete this task, along with the understanding and patience shown by the gallery and the client. I believe the conditions for evolution arise from this collaboration and willingness to wait.
