Wander From Within Makes Asian Debut in Seoul

An artisanal furniture collection co-designed by Adrian Cheng and Shigeru Uchida-san

Above Co-designer Adrian Cheng (centre) with the full 'Khora' collection (2016-17) Photo: Courtesy of wanderfromwithin.com

What role does furniture have to play beyond the physical realms of the home, enclosures, and comfort? What if furniture was designed to capture an ephemeral moment far from the familiar boundary?

Such is the subject explored in Wander from Within, the maiden design exhibition co-created by K11 and K11 Art Foundation founder and cultural entrepreneur Adrian Cheng. This also marks the final work of the late master architect, Shigeru Uchida-san. Following a well-received debut at the prestigious Villa Necchi Campiglio in Milan, the touring exhibition will be reaching our shores in 2019—but not before making waves at Seoul's Gana Art Gallery where design aficionados can catch it from now until October 22.

Above The ‘AU3’ chair (2016-17) by Adrian Cheng and Shigeru Uchida. Photo: Courtesy of wanderfromwithin.com and Tim Wong

Featuring three artisanal furniture pieces—including handmade bamboo and chestnut-woven seats and tables—the collection, entitled Khora, was inspired by Japan's striking scenery and tea culture. Re-exploring the definition of space and the connection between man and nature, the pieces also showcase the intricacy of Japanese joinery techniques.

Above Details of Japanese Chestnut wood, with its unique wood grains, were handpicked from the Tohoku region in Akita prefecture for this collection. Photo: Courtesy of wanderfromwithin.com

"With this collection [Shigeru Uchida-san and I] are illustrating the power and role of furniture, and the essence of Asian sensibilities, particularly in the simple act of sitting down," Adrian says of the collection. “It was a great honour to have worked alongside and learned from the venerable designer who, through this project, continued to inspire, even until the age of 73.”

Wander from Within runs from now until October 22 at Gana Art Center Hall 3, Seoul. Find out more on wanderfromwithin.com

Topics

Art Exhibition Culture Adrian Cheng Shigeru Uchida-san Wander From Within

Tatler Asia

Wander From Within Makes Asian Debut in Seoul