Sculpting Illumination: Korean Designer Unveils ‘Drop Light’

Korean designer Lee Soohyun has crafted a captivating installation for Fritz Hansen’s 150th anniversary exhibition in Seoul titled “Eternal Beauty.” His sculptural light piece “Drop Light” is a striking exploration of line, curve and balance.

Lee’s creation takes inspiration from the interplay of flat planes and three-dimensional forms. With meticulous precision, he orchestrates a harmonious convergence of geometric lines and organic, fluid shapes. While rooted in Korean cultural heritage, Lee imbues his work with a distinctly contemporary flair.

At the heart of “Drop Light” are two droplet-shaped lamp shades that appear to morph and shift perspective as one moves around them. Lee arrived at their sinuous curves through an iterative process of sketching and prototyping. The shades’ ethereal lightness is counterbalanced by solid wood cylindrical bases, a symbolic marriage of flow and solidity.

Lee’s deeply considered piece invites viewers to contemplate the subtle relationships between line and plane, form and function. “Drop Light” stands as masterful artistic commentary on the timeless themes of balance and contrast. In bringing this meditative work to life for “Eternal Beauty,” Lee establishes himself as a design poet of sculptural, shapely illumination.