tyler school of art & architecture
Specialisms: Contemporary Craft / Jewelry / Lighting
Location: Philadelphia, United States
First Name: Ju-hyung
Last Name: Park
Specialisms: Contemporary Craft / Jewelry / Lighting
Sectors:
My Location: Philadelphia, United States
University / College: tyler school of art & architecture
Course / Program Title: metals/Jewelry/cad-cam
This project explores invisible contradictions through the contrast of weight. Although it appears heavy, it is made of 0.3mm aluminum sheets and is actually very light. This symbolizes something that appears solid but is only a facade. With a density of 2.9, aluminum is one of the lightest metals after magnesium and is closely tied to the greed fostered by modern capitalism. We are using aluminum as our daily material without recognizing the severe environmental damage from its extraction and the significant energy consumption during its production. This work aims to evoke a minimal awareness of invisible impacts. Aluminum, with its high thermal conductivity and low melting point, poses challenges in deforming thin sheets. To avoid thermal distortion, I hand-cut 0.3mm thick aluminum sheets and use a laser welder, primarily designed for jewelry, for precise joining. This process harmonizes digital technology with traditional craftsmanship, allowing me to create innovative forms and functional objects. By considering the material's characteristics, I focus on exploring new possibilities through the fusion of traditional techniques and modern technologies.