Intercultural Design / Project 2

05/0/2024 - 10/03/2024

Week 4-Week 5

LIM CHAEHWAN (0363792)/ Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University

---

INTRODUCTIONS 

---

DATA COLLECTION

I suggested my opinion for a good place to research

1. Seoul Craft Museum 

https://craftmuseum.seoul.go.kr/eng/main

VR exhibition link: https://ecraftmuseum.kr/vr/HPZ6pWqjuUm

2. Samsung Leeum Museum of Art.

https://www.leeumhoam.org/leeum/collection/antiquity?params=Y

Separate the Role

Observation Study

- Ian

- Desmond

Interview

- Chaehwan

- ⁠Jyin

Online material

- Sher Wei

- Wee Lun

Physical material ( if got)

- Chaehwan

- Jyin

We will set one more meeting on Friday, the time will be discussed again

We found an IG account for a good example of a modern Korean. 

https://www.instagram.com/ocdolmin?igsh=MWozb2tuMW1zZjltYw==

We watched the Seoul Craft Museum in VR, and I had an interview with the curator of the Seoul Craft Museum through an acquaintance in Korea. I interviewed her in Korean, and she translated the contents into English and recorded them.

The picture above is a picture of the museum taken by the curator herself.

Interview Questions List

1. Why is it called "najeonchilgi"? Can you tell me the background of this?
2. The lacquerware craft is obviously an accepted and well-trimmed craftsmanship in many countries around the world, so is there a specific difference between Korean "Mother of pearl inlay" and similar techniques found in other countries?
3. What significance do the various techniques used in creating "Mother of pearl inlay" hold, and what Independent skills does Korea employ in the process?
4. What is the most crucial aspect of crafting "Mother of pearl inlay"?
5. Among the diverse patterns of "Mother of Pearl inlay," which one stands out as the most famous, and does it convey any particular message or story through its design?
6. How does "Mother of pearl inlay" contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of traditional Korean furniture, decorative objects, and architectural elements
7. Could you explain the process by which artisans, known as "najeonjang," create "Mother of pearl inlay," and why they have been designated as Intangible Cultural Assets in Korea?
8. How do environmental factors arising from the use of mother-of-pearl, the raw material for "Mother of pearl inlay" impact the production and sustainability of pearl inlay?
9. How is the future of "Mother of pearl inlay" evolving in the context of Korean contemporary design and world cultural exchange?
10. What efforts is Korea currently making to preserve the value of "Mother of pearl inlay" and promote it globally?

PROCESS: In our research process, we implemented various methods to collect valuable data for our project on Najeonchilgi:

1. Brainstorming and Justification: 

   - We began by brainstorming strategies to effectively utilize each research method. We justified our approach by highlighting how each method would contribute to our understanding of Najeonchilgi and its cultural significance. Additionally, we identified potential forgotten areas of Najeonchilgi that we aimed to shed light on through our research.

2. Observation Study:

   - We identified a website that offered virtual tours of the Seoul Museum of Craft Art. This allowed us to conduct an observation study remotely, exploring exhibits related to Najeonchilgi and documenting our observations digitally. Through this virtual tour, we gained insights into the historical and artistic aspects of Najeonchilgi.

3. Online Material Collection:

   - We collected online materials such as images, articles, and videos that provided additional context and information about Najeonchilgi. These resources helped us broaden our understanding of the craft, uncovering hidden stories, techniques, and cultural nuances that enriched our research findings.

4. Interview with a Docent Commentator:

   - We were fortunate to secure an interview with a Docent commentator at the Seoul Craft Museum. This interview provided us with firsthand insights and expert perspectives on Najeonchilgi, offering valuable interpretations and historical context. By engaging with a knowledgeable authority on the subject, we gained deeper insights into the cultural significance and artistic techniques associated with Najeonchilgi.

Through these research methods, we were able to collect a diverse range of data that informed our understanding of Najeonchilgi and its cultural heritage. By combining virtual observation, online research, and expert interviews, we gained a comprehensive perspective on the craft, allowing us to explore forgotten areas and contribute to the preservation and appreciation of Najeonchilgi within contemporary contexts.

FEEDBACK

Week 5: Group 44, well done on your data collection (I can't access the online materials). As you are focusing on Korean culture and have picked Najeonchilgi, perhaps you may look into the area of forgotten culture/one that can be significantly improved. with this, you will be able to increase the cultural awareness.

---

REFLECTION

Experience:

In the process of collecting data, the experience of viewing VR museum exhibitions and conducting interviews was very meaningful. In particular, I was able to gain new insights in the process of observing various exhibits and exploring their history and values based on my previous experience in Korean culture. In addition, I had the opportunity to understand compare, and analyze the cultures of other countries more broadly.

Observation:

Through this experience, I was able to gain new knowledge and insights about art and design. In the process of observing works of art from different cultures and understanding their history and values, I was able to learn knowledge that I did not even know. Also, through interviews with museum curators, I was able to develop ideas for Final Design by listening to experts' perspectives and sharing their experiences.

Result:

Through this experience, I was very helpful to my team members. In the process of exploring various cultures and acquiring new knowledge, I was able to give a new dimension to the project by discovering ideas that I did not know and sharing them with my team members. Through this, I was able to feel proud and proud that it was a great help to my team members who worked with me.