Renowned Master Othoniel Designs Busan: Busan Premiere of WDC Joint Exhibition at F1963
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□ Together with F1963, Busan Metropolitan City hosts ‘In the Labyrinth of Love’ by celebrated French contemporary artist Jean-Michel Othoniel from August 28 to December 31, 2026, at Sukcheon Hall, as a collaborative initiative for World Design Capital Busan 2028.
□ By connecting F1963, one of Busan’s urban regeneration assets, with world-class creative content, the exhibition aims to make World Design Capital more relevant in everyday settings.
○ Preserving the value of its manufacturing heritage, F1963 has been transformed into a vibrant community venue. In this respect, it embodies the vision of World Design Capital Busan 2028, which seeks to find new significance in underutilized resources.
○ Busan expects this opportunity to allow the public to view its spaces, culture, and art from a fresh perspective and witness the impact design has on life.
□ Othoniel has gained worldwide recognition for his expertise in glass bricks. His works have been displayed and held by leading institutions, such as the Louvre and the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Leeum Museum of Art in Seoul.
○ Inspired by mythology and symbolism, as well as dreams and spirituality, he develops a unique visual language with glass and light. ‘In the Labyrinth of Love’ marks his debut in Busan and is the largest-scale solo showcase of his artwork ever mounted in Korea.
○ In harmony with the revitalized F1963, the exhibition incorporates Busan’s essence—oceanic character and maritime identity—into his objects.
□ A range of online and offline promotional activities helps people discover acclaimed cultural and artistic offerings while linking them with Busan’s strengths as World Design Capital in daily contexts.
□ The city also intends to demonstrate how Busan’s brand competitiveness is shaped by the convergence of its industrial legacy, culture, art, and design, both domestically and internationally, and forge cooperation with F1963 through youth design and local engagement projects.
□ Mayor Chun Jae-soo noted, “It is a great honor to introduce the beautiful realm of Jean-Michel Othoniel to Busan for the first time as part of the inaugural World Design Capital Busan 2028 partnership, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of F1963. Harnessing the WDC platform, in which citizens, businesses, designers, and others participate, we will further bolster Busan’s global profile and reputation.”
○ Website: https://www.f1963.org/
