Kap-Sun Hwang

Ceramicist | Kellinghusen, Germany

A ceramic dialogue between cultures

Kap-Sun pursues excellence in every aspect of his practice
His pieces are made with ancient pottery traditions and advanced modern techniques
He bridges South Korea and Germany through his art

Kap-Sun Hwang's ceramic pieces are minimalistic, marked by distinctive subtlety and a quiet agency. "I feel a duty to follow tradition, but I want to do so in an original, contemporary way," he says. While studying ceramics at Seoul National University, Kap-Sun saw an exhibition by Gruppe 83, brought from Germany in 1985, which was a catalyst for his future studies there. He continued his education at the Muthesius Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Kiel with Johannes Gebhardt, one of Gruppe 83’s members. Currently, Kap-Sun divides his time between Kellinghusen in Germany, where his studio is located, and Seoul, where he has been working as an associate professor at Seoul National University since 2003. “My artistic values centre around healthy, human work carried out with gratitude,” he says.

Interview

What led you to ceramics?: I have always been fascinated by craftsmanship. Even as a child, I was interested in all kinds of materials, including stone, clay and glass.
Where do you find your inspiration?: I am inspired by the egg form, which is a fine and primal vessel. I am also in awe of stone's history as a material. I find that it carries ancient silence.
What does a day in your practice look like?: I spend most of my days in my workshop. Even in moments of silence, when boredom creeps in, I usually start working on something new. When I am not working, I enjoy taking walks with my wife.
What life lessons have you learned through your craft?: Everything comes down to the reliance of tradition, innovation and craftsmanship on one another. Without tradition, craftsmanship is like a child without a parent. Without innovation, it is like a flock of sheep without a shepherd.

Kap-Sun Hwang is a master artisan: he began his career in 1998 and he started teaching in 2003