The creativity of young artists has met technological innovation in cosmetics at the research and development center of AmorePacific, Korea’s leading cosmetics-maker.
A total of 16 cutting-edge artworks ranging from sound art to architecture will be on display in the courtyard of the research center in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, until Oct. 25.
The exhibit is part of the annual public art project by the AmorePacific Museum of Art, established in 1979 by the cosmetics-maker to house the art collection of its late founder Seo Sung-hwan.
The project, which began in 2013, selects talented young artists and commissions them to create site-specific artworks for AmorePacific offices.
"Oasis" by OBBA (Amore Pacific Museum of Art)
This year’s project introduces 16 artworks that are inspired by the company’s pursuit of innovation in cosmetics and aesthetics. AmorePacific owns major beauty brands such as Sulwhasoo, Laneige, Mamonde, Innisfree and Etude. The artists made several visits to the R&D Center to get ideas for their commissions before the exhibition.
At the entrance of the exhibition, a symmetrical metal sculpture featuring six larva-shaped forms by artist Jeong Jae-hoon welcomes viewers. The artist tries to stimulate viewers to find the balance between the cold and sharp properties of metal and beauty in perfect symmetry.
Artist Jeong Seung-il’s hexagonal mirror pillars reflect the surrounding landscape -– the artist’s vision for a life in harmony with others.
“The Beautiful Technology” by Chung Seung-il (Amore Pacific Museum of Art)
Architects OBBA have transformed a small part of the courtyard into a rest spot by setting up a white pavilion called “Oasis.”
Artists also used the surrounding landscape and architectural features of the R&D Center as part of their installations. Nam Hye-yeon projected an image of a woman on a pond. Yang Su-in made a shelter from a discarded water tank and placed it on a hill where viewers could sit down and chat.
The exhibition is open for free from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the AmorePacific R&D Center in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. Guided tours are held twice a day at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. For more information, visit museum.amorepacific.com.
By Lee Woo-young (
wylee@heraldcorp.com)
