Myungsun Kang
Mother-of-pearl artist
Namyangju-si, South Korea
Recommended by Korea Craft & Design Foundation
The radiance of pearly tones
- Myungsun explores mother-of-pearl beyond tradition and ornament
- She translates her materials into contemporary sculptural furniture
- Her practice is shaped by a strong, self-taught initiative
Myungsun Kang's work redefines the role of mother-of-pearl in contemporary furniture and objects. Trained in woodcraft and furniture design at Hongik University, she began her practice grounded in material discipline before turning to mother-of-pearl during her graduate studies. Myungsun moved beyond traditional motifs to explore organic forms that highlight mother-of pearl's intrinsic light. "I was drawn to its iridescent surface and expressive potential," she says. Largely self-directed in her engagement with traditional techniques, Myungsun has developed a distinct language that bridges craft and design, where function and sculpture coexist. Her work positions mother-of-pearl not merely as ornament, but as a medium for spatial and sensory experience.
Discover her work
INTERVIEW
I begin by constructing the base structure in wood or FRP composites. I then apply mother-of-pearl, often after soaking it to prevent breakage on curved surfaces. Each piece is carefully secured with heat and adhesive. Finally, the surfaces are lacquered and finished to highlight the chosen colour or wood grain.
Covering large curved surfaces is challenging. Each mother-of-pearl sheet has a specific grain and must align without overlapping. Because curves cannot be finished all at once, each piece is carefully placed to avoid cracks. Achieving seamless joints across the entire surface is the most critical detail.
I slightly lean toward decorative objects, though both function and form play vital roles in my work. I prefer pieces that clearly present themselves as artworks rather than purely practical furniture. Usability is still essential, but I prioritise visual beauty.
Alongside mother-of-pearl, I plan to further study traditional lacquer techniques. I aim to create works using pure lacquer that possess a distinct identity. I am also interested in combining mother-of-pearl with ceramics and metal, having discovered significant potential through my past experiments.
