Title: Yoon Seok-hyeon: Ott / Another paradigmatic ceramic
Duration: 16 October 2021 until 30 October 2022
Location: Ceramics Museum Princessehof, Leeuwarden, Netherlands
This autumn, the Princessehof National Museum of Ceramics in Leeuwarden presents a design exhibition with work by Yoon Seok-Hyeon (South Korea, 1992). Glazed ceramics are generally not recyclable and usually end up in landfills. In his search for a sustainable alternative to toxic glazing, Yoon Seok-Hyeon came across an ancient technique from his native country, ‘Ott’. The wood resin from the lacquer tree is traditionally used in Korea to lacquer wooden utensils. Yoon applies the technique (also called ‘Ottchil’) to ceramics. His Ottchil lacquered bowls, vases and dishes can be seen in his solo exhibition Yoon Seok-hyeon: Ott / Another paradigmatic ceramic in the Princessehof, which also provides the visitor with an insight into his working process.
The traditional Korean technique has been used for 2000 years and is known for its high quality. Treated with Ott, objects become antibacterial, water- and insect-repellent. The resin of the lacquer tree dries in the air and does not need to be fired, and it has the special property of evaporating when heated. In this way, pure clay can be recovered and the ceramic recycling process is completed. The ethical and aesthetic vases, with a natural coffee brown/orange shine, will be exhibited on the second floor of the museum. The museum is also making a short film about Yoon Seok-Hyeon and his working process.
For more information, please visit the website here.
