Art Lighting Design Services for KCCUK, Munbangsau:

Munbangsau: Friends of the Scholar is an exhibition of Korean crafts. For this contemporary art lighting design and crafts exhibit, we assisted the Korean Cultural Centre UK  (KCCUK) in London. Our specialist lighting team provided independent art lighting design services to the KCCUK to the highest standard and within budget.

This exciting exhibition is based on Munbangsau, the four essential literary tools used by Confucian scholars (seonbi) during the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897 AD). Furthermore, it reflects the spirit of the seonbi tradition in Korea. Through innovative lighting solutions, we aimed to illuminate the art galleries and transform the environment into a narrative space that honours Korean culture and heritage.

With the use of dry and temporary walls, the exhibition space is divided into sections. These walls were made from handmade paper and metal box sections to separate the space. In addition, the lighting consisted of a warm temperature of light (2700K) produced from museum-quality LED lamps. This solution introduced atmosphere to the various features of the recreated Seonbi’s room. Furthermore, it is significant to note that the room has a plethora of different handcrafted objects, which need to be sympathetically lit.

By integrating sustainable lighting practices, we ensured that the exhibition not only showcased the best of modern art lighting design but remained flexible and environmentally conscious. Fortunately, this exhibition utilised the earlier upgrades to the lighting track and light fixtures we implemented. With this vastly improved lighting equipment in place, the light fixtures could be placed with pinpoint accuracy. In addition, we coupled this with the appropriate lighting filters to accomplish an aesthetic balance for the exhibit.

Our consultancy approach focused on understanding the unique needs of the space and curatorial vision, resulting in an immersive lighting experience that enhances the visitor’s experience through the exhibition.

As a result, each area had different demands for layout and lighting to keep the visitor’s attention while moving through the individual spaces. Visitors can use the scholar’s brushes and ink to spell their names on handmade paper in a low-tech interactive display. Finally, the exhibition opening was accompanied by a performance by a classical geomungo player. The geomungo is a traditional Korean stringed musical instrument that delivers an authentic feel to a fabulous evening. VIPs and guests from the art world enjoyed the opening!

Our innovative lighting solutions set the stage for the opening ceremony and continued to enrich the cultural dialogue throughout the exhibition’s duration.

As part of the Korea/UK season, 2017–18, the Korean Cultural Centre UK and the Cheongju Craft Biennale Organisation co-presented Munbangsau: Friends of the Scholar. Additionally, you can explore more details, including photography of the opening, via the Munbangsau Exhibition.