korean aesthetics are gaining traction on the global design stage, and at the forefront of this is young designer duo Yoonji Kim and Eunjin Han’s studio Walza ([translate:Walza]). their art furniture, objects, and installations combine Korean thinking with contemporary flair, and they’re redefining what’s most Korean. their work, which captures the energy of a small object that overwhelms a space, has already caught the attention of international collectors at Maison & Objet in Paris.

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a journey to find ‘our own’

yoonji Kim studied metal sculpture and Eunjin Han studied ceramic sculpture. longtime friends, the two had an epiphany that shaped the direction of their work on a backpacking trip through Europe. “We were inspired by the pride people of different cultures took in their identity. We wanted to make our own work, but we realized that we were missing something Korean.” this experience led them to set a common goal: to find a new form of Koreanness.

clashing and harmonizing opposing concepts

studio Walja’s work always begins with the tension between opposing concepts. we explore the points where different elements collide and harmonize, such as emptiness and filling, space and density, yin and yang. translating this into a modern sculptural language, even simple objects have the power to change the mood of an entire space.

the ‘Eclipse’ series: masterpieces that capture the moment of solar and lunar eclipses. the aesthetics of emptiness and filling are visually realized through structures that appear completely empty or filled depending on the angle of view.

‘Pacifier #01 Clock’: an extension of the traditional trinket, the tassel of a pacifier, into a contemporary object. it expresses the dense power of thin threads gathered together.

‘Sum MASS’: A spatial extension of ‘Eclipse’, theinstallation allows the viewer to experience the weight of an insubstantial mass as the emptiness and filling changes depending on the viewer’s gaze.

the synergy of two artists, and the future

han Eun-jin, who sparks ideas, and Kim Yoon-ji, who delicately refines them. Their working method is a cycle of collision and agreement, and the tension created in the process becomes the sculptural language of WALZA. Their pursuit of perfection, to the point of folding a piece if either of them is unsatisfied, creates a synergy that completes the single artist known as WALZA.

in the future, Studio Walja is preparing to expand into various areas, including the launch of a ceramic line, space projects, and collaborations with fashion brands. “I believe that what we share can become Korean, and I hope that a new definition of ‘Korean made by WALZA’ will emerge.” As they hope, Studio WALZA is breaking new ground in Korean aesthetics in their own language.

frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q. what does the name ‘Studio Walza’ mean?

A. ‘Walza’ comes from the name of a group of people who led the cultural and artistic scene in the late Joseon Dynasty, and reflects our ambition to once again lead the flow of Korean culture and art. It also means ‘to speak’ and ‘to tell one’s own story’ as writers and as Koreans.

Q. what does it mean to interpret ‘Korean aesthetics’ in a modern way?

A. It means not only reproducing traditional forms or patterns, but also translating the unique Korean philosophy and mindset, such as ’emptiness and filling’ and ‘the beauty of the white space’, into a modern sculptural language and aesthetic. through this, Studio Walja seeks to create timeless and relatable beauty.

Q. where can I see Studio Walja’s work?

A. Studio Walza consistently participates in major design fairs and gallery exhibitions in Korea and abroad, including the Seoul Design Festival and Home Table Deco Fair. You can also check out our latest works and exhibitions on our official website (walza.kr) and Instagram (@walza.kr).