The exhibition features glass produced in the Art Nouveau movement between 1870 and 1940 by the French artist Émile Gallé, one of the major forces in the French Art Nouveau movement as well as work by the brothers Daum. The design draws directly from this movement with reference to flora and fauna depictions with moving imagery and specially considered lighting to focus on the intricate motifs of the pieces.

The role of the exhibition designer included a strategy for curation and close collaboration with Art Nouveau historical experts from the ‘Chambre Nationale des Experts Specialises’, signage design, graphics, wayfinding, media design, lighting design, furniture and display case design.

A framing of both artefacts and landscape

The design is sensitive to the existing Tadao Ando building through careful interventions that work in strong contrast with materiality and colour to the original design. The proposal responds to the dramatic setting of the volcanic island of Jeju with emphasis on framing the artefacts, just like how the building frames the landscape. The exhibition seeks to further bridge and connect the awe-inspiring landscape with the architecture to create a dynamic interior which draws reference from nature.

The gallery spaces form a meditative experience where visitors are sometimes invited to sit and gaze at the pieces at low level on a tatami mat, giving close access to the artefacts. The lighting design guides the viewer and sets a therapeutic mood with a play upon reflections created by the stucco treated walls. Moving visuals help create a serenity to the space with a focus on sky, grass and flowers referencing the Art Nouveau movement.

This project has been announced as the INSIDE World Interior of the Year 2018 Winner.