A Collector’s Haven: D Museum Celebrates 10th Anniversary with 'Art in Life, Life in Art
Jason Yim / Published December 1, 2024 09:53 PM
Jason Yim
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of D Museum
In celebration of its 10th anniversary, D Museum in Seoul's Seongsu district presents Art in Life, Life in Art, an immersive exhibition running from November 15, 2024, to May 18, 2025. The show brings together over 300 masterpieces and design collections from 70 globally renowned artists, including pioneers like Kim Whanki, Park Seo-bo, and Pablo Picasso. True to its title, the exhibition transforms the museum into a home that encapsulates the unique tastes of a fictional collector, inviting visitors to reflect on the intersection of art and daily living.
Rather than displaying art in conventional galleries, the exhibition recreates spaces inspired by real-life personas and their lifestyles. Visitors will navigate a young graphic designer’s eclectic studio, a tea sommelier mother’s refined living area, and a botanist and chef couple’s nature-inspired dwelling, among others. These meticulously curated spaces blend fine art, design, and functionality, challenging traditional notions of the museum experience.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of D Museum
A standout feature of the exhibition is its segmentation into three thematic zones: the "Split House," the "Terrace House," and the "Duplex House." Each space captures contrasting or complementary aesthetic preferences. The "Split House," for example, juxtaposes two divergent design sensibilities, creating a harmonious dialogue between opposing styles.
Notable highlights include works by Nam June Paik, the visionary founder of video art, whose interdisciplinary creations continue to inspire across mediums like sculpture, installation, and performance. The exhibition further enhances the immersive experience by replicating domestic spaces with astonishing detail—complete with functioning appliances like washing machines and even a thoughtfully staged bathroom.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of D Museum
Digital tools such as QR codes provide visitors with virtual pamphlets, offering detailed insights into the exhibition layout and individual works. This integration of technology reflects the curators’ commitment to accessibility and innovation, ensuring that visitors can fully engage with the art and design on display.
More than a visual feast, Art in Life, Life in Art encourages visitors to rethink the role of art in everyday spaces. By blending art and interior design, the exhibition transforms D Museum into a living, breathing home, where each piece contributes to a cohesive narrative about identity, taste, and the human desire for beauty.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of D Museum
The exhibition also functions as a model of inspiration for professionals and enthusiasts in design and architecture. Its focus on meticulously staged interiors and thoughtful curation makes it as much a study of lifestyle as it is a showcase of art. Indeed, many visitors have been observed taking notes, inspired by the interplay of art and design in the recreated living spaces.
Through this ambitious project, D Museum redefines the concept of a home as a space not just for utility but for expression and creativity. By seamlessly integrating art into the fabric of daily life, Art in Life, Life in Art invites audiences to rediscover the extraordinary in the ordinary and to imagine living spaces as personalized galleries of self-expression.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of D Museum
Sayart / Jason Yim, yimjongho1969@gmail.com
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of D Museum
In celebration of its 10th anniversary, D Museum in Seoul's Seongsu district presents Art in Life, Life in Art, an immersive exhibition running from November 15, 2024, to May 18, 2025. The show brings together over 300 masterpieces and design collections from 70 globally renowned artists, including pioneers like Kim Whanki, Park Seo-bo, and Pablo Picasso. True to its title, the exhibition transforms the museum into a home that encapsulates the unique tastes of a fictional collector, inviting visitors to reflect on the intersection of art and daily living.
Rather than displaying art in conventional galleries, the exhibition recreates spaces inspired by real-life personas and their lifestyles. Visitors will navigate a young graphic designer’s eclectic studio, a tea sommelier mother’s refined living area, and a botanist and chef couple’s nature-inspired dwelling, among others. These meticulously curated spaces blend fine art, design, and functionality, challenging traditional notions of the museum experience.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of D Museum
A standout feature of the exhibition is its segmentation into three thematic zones: the "Split House," the "Terrace House," and the "Duplex House." Each space captures contrasting or complementary aesthetic preferences. The "Split House," for example, juxtaposes two divergent design sensibilities, creating a harmonious dialogue between opposing styles.
Notable highlights include works by Nam June Paik, the visionary founder of video art, whose interdisciplinary creations continue to inspire across mediums like sculpture, installation, and performance. The exhibition further enhances the immersive experience by replicating domestic spaces with astonishing detail—complete with functioning appliances like washing machines and even a thoughtfully staged bathroom.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of D Museum
Digital tools such as QR codes provide visitors with virtual pamphlets, offering detailed insights into the exhibition layout and individual works. This integration of technology reflects the curators’ commitment to accessibility and innovation, ensuring that visitors can fully engage with the art and design on display.
More than a visual feast, Art in Life, Life in Art encourages visitors to rethink the role of art in everyday spaces. By blending art and interior design, the exhibition transforms D Museum into a living, breathing home, where each piece contributes to a cohesive narrative about identity, taste, and the human desire for beauty.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of D Museum
The exhibition also functions as a model of inspiration for professionals and enthusiasts in design and architecture. Its focus on meticulously staged interiors and thoughtful curation makes it as much a study of lifestyle as it is a showcase of art. Indeed, many visitors have been observed taking notes, inspired by the interplay of art and design in the recreated living spaces.
Through this ambitious project, D Museum redefines the concept of a home as a space not just for utility but for expression and creativity. By seamlessly integrating art into the fabric of daily life, Art in Life, Life in Art invites audiences to rediscover the extraordinary in the ordinary and to imagine living spaces as personalized galleries of self-expression.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of D Museum
