“ban : ban” is the artist's nickname.

It carries two distinct meanings in the Korean language.  Firstly, it means something or someone being beautiful and luminous. Secondly, it translates to half and half. These dual meanings reflect the essence of “ban : ban”’s work, a harmonious and beautiful blend of the sculptural and the functional.

established 2023
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STORY

ban:ban is a multidisciplinary artist whose work is shaped by a diverse education that combines many different cultures and artistic ideas.  Born and raised in S. Korea, ban:ban's journey included studying at Le Rosey in Switzerland, earning a BFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and completing an MDes. at Hongik University Graduate School in Seoul.  In 2024, ban:ban was awarded the prestigious ITSLIQUID International Contest in Italy and has since actively exhibited in numerous domestic and international art fairs and exhibitions.  The name ban:ban is derived from a Korean phrase meaning “half-and-half,” as well as symbolizing “beauty and luminosity.” This dual meaning reflects the artist's philosophy and approach to art, harmonizing function and beauty, nature and design.  Specializing in art lighting, ban:ban creates pieces that blend natural crystal stones with light, transforming them into functional artworks. These luminous creations serve not only as sources of illumination but also as meditative art that encourages mental wellness and invites positive energy. Through the interplay of natural materials and radiant light, ban:ban seeks to offer viewers a moment of peace and inspiration in their everyday lives.

ARTWORK
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MATERIAL

“木火土金水” are the five elements of nature in Asian culture, which are "wood, fire, earth, metal, water.”  I try to reinterpret the 5 elements in a new way with new substances.  “土”(earth) is the base of my sculpture made with mineral clay. I mix oyster shell fragments, which represent “水” (water), with mineral clay to give an unexpected texture on the surface.  I use preserved flowers as “木” (wood) and natural crystal stones as “金” (metal) to decorate.  For “火”(fire), color-changing smart lighting is used to create a surreal atmosphere. 

EXHIBITION