Interview: Seohu Ahn of Meeseek -The creative pulse of Seoul-
Meeseek is a Seoul-based gallery founded in 2019 by designer and curator Seohu Ahn. They curate works that combine art, design, and craft, and actively collaborate with creators working in these fields. Their unique works skillfully combine industrial materials and crafts, offering functionality while also offering high artistic value, and they are constantly exploring the boundaries of contemporary design.
He also works with designer Sisan Lee at the interior design studio PRACTICE. In addition to the Meeseek gallery, he provides design in a wide range of fields, from spatial design for stores, offices, and cafes to built-in furniture design.
With a background in architecture, how did you end up working in furniture galleries and curation?
When I was majoring in architecture at university, I came across furniture designed by architects and became interested in furniture created by contemporary architects such as Le Corbusier and SANAA. After graduating from university, I discovered that there are many furniture designers in Korea, and I wanted to interact with them and expand my activities into fields other than architecture, so I founded Meeseek.
At the same time, you also work with Sisan Lee at an interior design firm. How do you balance running the firm and the gallery? And how do each activity influence the other?
Our individuality as artists and our characteristics as gallerists are reflected in the design trends of our studio. Through collaborations with various artists, we approach furniture and spaces as works of art.
Of all the collaborative works you've produced with Meeseek so far, which is your favorite? I'd also like to hear about the process of creating it.
One project that particularly made an impression on me was a recent collaboration with a marble factory. The project involved around 10 artists creating and exhibiting furniture using discarded marble from the factory. It was fascinating to see how each of the 10 artists came up with different ideas and results from the same starting point: discarded marble.
In recent years, I feel that creative manufacturing, such as that involved with Meeseek, has been shaping a new cultural scene in Seoul. The designs that emerge there are distinctive and unique, and many of them incorporate elements of craft while using industrial materials, and many of the works can be seen as "functional art." What are your thoughts on this new craftsmanship in Seoul and the growing public interest in art and design?
I feel that with interest in design on the rise, design and art are becoming more accessible to the general public. When I first started the gallery, many of the events were aimed at creating communities among designers. However, recently, there has been an increase in collaborations between product designers and companies and brands, and people are becoming more interested in the field of functional design.
In today's digital world, where work is primarily viewed through online platforms, what value do you see in having a physical store or showroom space?
For the first two years after starting Meeseek, I operated a gallery space that only held exhibitions. As I continued to hold exhibitions there, I began to feel that I wanted to hold new types of exhibitions in a more diverse manner, without being tied to a specific location. As a result, I decided to close the gallery space and find a venue that suited the theme of each piece. After exhibiting in various locations for around three years, I am now gradually starting to think about setting up a Meeseek gallery again. I believe that human desires are always about seeking what we do not have.
What is your impression of Japanese art, design and craft culture?
While observing Japanese artists, I felt that they all shared a common tendency to reinterpret and inherit craft traditions in their own way. When I look at their work, I am always impressed by the meticulous attention paid to even the smallest details. I think this is a defining characteristic of Japanese artists.
Would you like to work with Japanese artists or brands in the future?
I always find collaborating with people from other cultures stimulating and fun. It may be a little surprising that, despite being the closest country to Japan, we have yet to collaborate with Japanese brands or artists. I hope to create such an opportunity in the near future.
When you visited Japan, was there a place that you particularly liked, or a place that you would like to visit next time?
I like all of these places, but Kyoto has left a particularly strong impression on me. Kyoto is a place where the scenery of old Japan unfolds, and I love walking through the spacious, low-rise streets, enjoying the scenery and feeling the new energy that is being born.
Please tell us about your future plans. In addition to your current activities, do you have any plans to start a new business?
Recently, we have begun supporting global brands developing a wide range of projects in Seoul. We are particularly focused on curating projects that evoke diverse sensations at the intersection of fashion, design, and art. We are also proposing new projects by leveraging the diverse artist community that Meeseek has built.
Can you tell us some of your favorite songs lately?
I usually listen to music at home after work, enjoying songs that soothe my tired everyday life. It's 11pm Korean time now, and after today's interview, I plan to listen to Max Richter's album "The Blue Notebooks." I feel like listening to only this album tonight.
Meeseek
Interviewer
Yusho Nishioka
