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Split Explores the Fissure Between Western and Eastern Design

10.04.19 | By
Split Explores the Fissure Between Western and Eastern Design

Shinkyu Shon’s Split is an exploration in the beauty standards of the Eastern and Western worlds, in other words natural versus manmade. By utilizing both wood and mirrored stainless steel, Shon attempts to fuse the two worlds together in a way that allows the viewer to still see distinctive features of both materials. The pine tree in these pieces was actually used as a main pillar in a traditional Korean house.

Unlike other Eastern cultures, Shon says Korean design was not given the same amount of time to create a balance between their own identity and that of Western design. Through Split the hope is that two materials, so different in nature, can be expressed as one.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she's likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.