Jeongeun Kang: Bridging Tradition and Innovation Through Material Exploration
Jeongeun Kang, known professionally as vonz, is a Seoul-based artist and designer whose work embodies a compelling fusion of Korean heritage and contemporary design sensibilities. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Kang’s artistic journey began with a fascination for the interplay between craft traditions and modern aesthetics—a passion that continues to drive her creative endeavors. Her studio VONZ specializes in experimental brand creation combining cultural research in Korean traditional culture and material, with consideration on contemporary humans’ habits and their origins.
Kang's artistic vision centers around the concept of “usage,” believing that objects can enrich daily life while simultaneously preserving cultural values. This philosophy informs her approach to creating pieces that are both visually striking and imbued with symbolic meaning—drawing inspiration from ancient Korean pottery for ancestral rites, and meticulously blending traditional techniques like Ottchil (Korean lacquer) with innovative materials such as glass and industrial byproducts. Her exploration of textures – particularly Ottchil combined with sawdust, roof tile dust, and ceramic powder – reflects a dedication to honoring craftsmanship while pushing creative boundaries.
A pivotal moment in Kang’s artistic development was her engagement with the Korean totem BUK-SU, which she reimagined through silvering work on glass. This project exemplifies her ability to reinterpret historical motifs in a contemporary context, demonstrating an understanding of how cultural symbols can resonate across generations. Her studio VONZ collaborates closely with skilled artisans from small workshops in Korea, ensuring that each piece retains the authenticity and beauty inherent in Korean traditions.
Kang’s artistic achievements extend beyond individual creations; she actively participates in collaborative projects between art and design, fostering dialogue between disciplines. Her work has been showcased in exhibitions across South Korea and internationally, garnering critical acclaim for its thoughtful exploration of materiality and cultural heritage. Kang's dedication to her craft—characterized by meticulous research, experimentation, and a profound appreciation for Korean artistic traditions—solidifies her position as a significant voice within the contemporary art landscape.
Kang’s overarching goal is to convey a message that enriches the in-depth relaxation and flourishing of life by naturally conveying the artistic values of Korean tradition in everyday products. Her studio VONZ seeks to bridge the gap between traditional crafts and the contemporary lifestyle by mixing and matching the techniques and materials from the past and the present, reinterpreting the traditional aesthetics to reflect the ampleness of the traditional crafts. Moreover, Artist Kang’s deep self-reflection on materiality, such as colour or texture, contributes to the creation of the authentic beauty of VONZ. She wishes to deliver a message that enriches the in-depth relaxation and flourishing of life by naturally conveying the artistic values of Korean tradition in everyday products.
