Goshun by Yoon Shun: Meticulous wood craftsmanship and modern design
Yoon Shun’s work, encapsulated in his collection Goshun, presents a sculptural manifestation of his philosophy: revealing the latent beauty within materials through masterful craftsmanship and a harmonious interplay of contrasts. At its essence, this series explores oakwood in transformative ways, blending traditional wood-burning methods with modern design aesthetics.
Each creation, ranging from low tables and stools to chairs, benches, and lighting elements, begins as solid oak beams. These are charred using traditional techniques, resulting in bold, stripe-like patterns. Through intricate hand-carving, untouched, lighter layers emerge, forging a striking interplay between raw, elemental textures and refined surfaces.
In his latest lighting series, Yoon Shun integrates oak veneer, adding an elegant dimension that complements the solid wood components. The veneer introduces a sense of translucency and delicacy, enhancing the overall visual narrative of the collection. Each piece undergoes an exhaustive finishing process with seven layers of tung oil, carefully applied to heighten the wood’s natural warmth, resilience, and texture. This meticulous approach underscores the collection’s architectural precision, balancing modern boldness with a reverence for timeless tradition.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the pieces in Goshun reflect Yoon Shun’s dedication to uniting function with beauty. His designs embody a dialogue between the practical and the poetic, blending utility with abstraction in a seamless, evocative manner. This series is not static; it is poised to evolve beyond furniture into public sculptures, continuing to exemplify Shun’s commitment to merging artisanal techniques with contemporary design.
Rooted in a profound exploration of the intersection between functionality and abstract narrative, Shun’s creations reveal a hidden beauty beneath the surface. His process reflects a deep respect for patience, detail, and subtlety, as he skillfully balances the interplay of rationality and emotion, finesse and raw brutality. A 2020 graduate of the Royal Academy of Art in the Netherlands, Yoon Shun continues to thoughtfully navigate the creative process, forging enduring works that resonate with depth and meaning.
All images courtesy of Yoon Shun, shared with permission
Yoon Shun: https://yoonshun.com/
