Future value discovered in Asia Only with industry and technologyit is not enough to tell the future.We can find another direction for the future in near and familiar culture of Asia.Asia the Future is an exhibition to explore the future value and philosophy in the Asian design. Asian countries such as Malaysia, Thailand and so on. make authentic handmade design with traditional techniques and natural materials. Various products, combining traditional designs with modern design are displayed with Asian traditional type of space, which make people feel the natural pursuit of happiness.

Asia the Future introGwangju Design Biennale

The attitude toward life reflected in the Asian design philosophy asks us to question on what true happiness in life is all about and what role design should take in the face of changing futures.

Curator Eun byung soo's interviewGwangju Design Biennale

Curator Eun byung soo's interview

Eunilee Eunilee, Eunil Lee, From the collection of: Gwangju Design Biennale
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Lee Eunil is an international fabric designer based in the Philippines. Lee mostly uses natural materials, but alongside the addition of futuristic elements.

Sali Sali, Thimi Ceramics, From the collection of: Gwangju Design Biennale
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According to the Nepali custom, these small vessels are broken after a single usage, representing the spiritual ideologies of Nepal and embodying the natural cycle of human lives.

Asian Elements : 100 Objects Asian Elements : 100 Objects, From the collection of: Gwangju Design Biennale
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This collection of objects is a comprehensive display of around 100 materials, patterns, colors, samples, photographs, and accessories that symbolize Asia

Sarong, Sponsored by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Korea, From the collection of: Gwangju Design Biennale
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The beauty of minimalism is demonstrated through the dress culture in Southeast Asia, in which Sarong completes a stylish outfit simply by wrapping the body.

Friends 'N' Stuff, Friends 'N' Stuff, From the collection of: Gwangju Design Biennale
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Friends N Stuff, a social enterprise program that consists of a home-based production and training program as a means to seek sustainable ways to provide economic support for underprivileged.

Zaza Side Chair, Kenneth Cobonpue, From the collection of: Gwangju Design Biennale
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The whimsical and ingenious design that draws inspirations from nature casts a theatrical backdrop to any space, and the seemingly delicate fronds wrapped in microfiber provide supple back support.

Yothaka International, Suwan Kongkhunthian, From the collection of: Gwangju Design Biennale
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lifestyle concepts with unique Asian characteristics mixed with modern design concepts, and created with the most eco-friendly materials.

Kedai Bikin, Kedai Bikin, From the collection of: Gwangju Design Biennale
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Merdeka means “independence” in Malay, and this chair carries significant meaning as a legacy of the 60s and the modern history of Malaysia.

Nipa Hut, Art:in, From the collection of: Gwangju Design Biennale
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This housing culture is symbolic of Southeast Asia's eco-friendly, practical and minimal sense of architectural aesthetics.

A Close Shave in Hanoi, Ian Robert knight, From the collection of: Gwangju Design Biennale
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This photograph captures the scene of a mobile barbershop, a rather common sight throughout the streets of Southeast Asia. It shows a barbershop culture where only the bare minimum is needed.

Ango, Angus Hutcheson, From the collection of: Gwangju Design Biennale
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Natural untreated silk cocoons were one of the first natural materials. much of the magic stems from light being refracted by the light at different angles, so producing subtly different colours.

A Vietnamese Street barber reads a newspaper while waiting for customers in Hanoi, Morgan Ommer, From the collection of: Gwangju Design Biennale
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This photograph captures the leisurely scene of a barber reading a newspaper while waiting for customers at the corner of an art street in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Nala, Nala, From the collection of: Gwangju Design Biennale
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Nala’s colorful, timeless, and distinctive collection is completed by the modern reinterpretation of the motifs discovered in Malaysia’s unique traditional culture.

Royal Selangor Royal Selangor, Royal Selangor, From the collection of: Gwangju Design Biennale
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Royal Selangor presents sophisticated products in various collections with the sensibility of contemporary design suited to today’s lifestyle, based on Malaysia’s historic tin craftsmanship.

Crafactor Crafactor, Crafactor, From the collection of: Gwangju Design Biennale
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inspired by the mosaic technique of the Thai temple and the organic lines of nature and is actualized through the revival of skillful crafts techniques with the help of modern design sense.

The International Supportive Center of Arts and Crafts, Thailand The International Supportive Center of Arts and Crafts, Thailand, 태국 국제 예술 공예지원센터, From the collection of: Gwangju Design Biennale
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This exhibition introduces products that add the sensibility of modern design to Thailand’s rich production base and traditional handicraft techniques.

Museo to sell Museo to sell, Designed by Fenomeno and Maeng Sun-Pil / Crafted by Han Gyeong-Hui, Choi Seok-Hyeon, Shin Gyeong-Sik, Jang Guk-Sin and others, From the collection of: Gwangju Design Biennale
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The theme of “Museo to Sell” reflects the spirit of craftsmen and the techniques of the times.

Korakot Korakot, Korakot Aromdee, From the collection of: Gwangju Design Biennale
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Inspired by the surroundings in local towns as the foundation of local residents' livelihoods, Korakot produces lighting products that combine natural materials such as bamboos and hemp ropes.

Credits: Story

Curator:Eun Byung-soo

Ko Jeongah
Lee Jina

Moon Jisoo

Choi Eunji

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.

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