Rooted in Korean philosophy and tradition yet informed by an international perspective, Park’s practice is marked by clarity, material honesty and spatial awareness. In his new pieces, the designer explores the encounter between natural and industrial elements through minimalist sculptural design.
Raw volcanic stone is paired with precision-cut steel, the two materials existing side by side without compromise. The stone is often left untouched or cut to reveal its hidden textures, while the steel provides clean, linear counterpoints. Park resists forcing one material to adapt to the other, instead allowing tension and harmony to emerge from their coexistence.
The resulting works – consoles, benches and sculptural forms – are functional yet contemplative. They invite reflection on the relationship between nature, time and human intervention. Each piece becomes a dialogue between permanence and precision, weight and balance, ancient matter and contemporary craft.
Park says: “The cut of the stone is vital to the success of each piece. Its linearity is something that nature cannot produce – only humans work in straight lines. Their flat-cut sides serve to highlight the textured lines and irregularities of the stones’ exteriors, emphasising their natural beauty. The steel adds dimension to the cut line of the stone and extends it further into space, creating volume and balance.”
Park’s new works explore tensions and reflections through the interplay of diverse materials, human presence and natural forces. The Plain Cuts series reaffirms Carpenters Workshop Gallery’s commitment to presenting contemporary design that challenges and redefines the boundaries between sculpture, craft and functionality.
