Back in the early 2020s, the South Korean design scene was having a major glow-up. Enter Kwangho Lee—a creative powerhouse with perfect timing. Based in Seoul, Lee set up his studio to give his ideas the ultimate playground. His vibe? Capturing “the instant moment of union”—basically that pause when everything just clicks.
Lee’s superpower? Materials. He’s worked with everything—from natural classics like wood to industrial stars like wire, Styrofoam, PVC, and even the high-tech wizardry of 3D printing. Experimentation is his jam, and he’s not just stopping at materials. Lee’s creative genius spills over into furniture and objects, making his design umbrella pretty massive (and very cool).
For the Breathing.Room exhibition, Lee brought his A-game with the Moon Jar. It’s a fresh spin on the traditional Chinese vessel known for its two harmonious shapes and pure white porcelain. But Lee? He gave it a 2020s remix. Using 3D printing, he combined modern materials with this age-old symbol of purity, adding negative space to the vessel. It’s like he created pauses within the design—literal breathing room for the theme of the exhibition.
Come check out the exhibit, located in The Lobby at Ellen Browning Building (2871 SE Division Street. Portland, OR 97202). Kids’ Day is on Saturday, February 1. All materials will be onsite and swag bags for the kids to take home to continue their creative output.
Sima is the curator of The Lobby – https://ellenbrowningbuilding.com/the-lobby/