Timeless Elegance: Discover Cartier's 'Crystallization of Time' Exhibition in Seoul DDP

Timeless Elegance: Discover Cartier's 'Crystallization of Time' Exhibition in Seoul DDP Review

More than 300 Cartier collections and private collections presented in the phenomenal exhibition space will finally be available in Seoul. If you are a traveler who is visiting Seoul for a trip to Korea, visit Dongdaemun DDP until June 31.

1. Introduction of Seoul June Events

2. Main Features of the Exhibition

3. Highlights of the Cartier Exhibition

4. My Experience

1. Introduction - Exhibition Information, Cartier's 'Crystallization of Time' (Seoul June Events)

Cartier is a classic jewelry brand that is loved by many people. It is recognized as a wedding ring or a good gift for a precious person in the world as well as among Koreans. Until now, Cartier has held special jewelry exhibitions in many countries around the world, and this time it is held in Seoul, attracting many people.

Date. 2024. 05.01 - 06.30

Time. 10:00 - 19:00 (Mon-Thu, Sun) / 10:00 - 21:00 (Fri-Sat)

Admission is open until 45 minutes before closing.

Venue. DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza) Art Hall 1, Conference Hall

281, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, 04566, Republic of Korea

Dongdaemun DDP, where the exhibition is taking place, is a cultural complex located in the middle of Seoul that boasts a wonderful appearance by designing by famous British architects. The name DDP is named after the initials of Dream, Design, and Play, and it is often possible to find products that reflect Seoul's design and lifestyle.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Cartier brand Trinity Model. It is said to commemorate all the love that exists in the world as a ring icon that is good for gifts to loved ones. In addition, Cartier's vision is spreading across various fields such as art and culture, society & community, and the environment, and has discovered and expressed world culture through historical pieces. Among them, the Cartier exhibition in Seoul is intended to promote the long history of the brand and convey the journey of Maison.

2. Main Feature of the Exhibition in Seoul DDP

Cartier's "Crystal of Time" Exhibition began in 1989 with the first large-scale exhibition held at the Petit Palais Museum in Paris, France. Since then, various works have been shown at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Vitra Design Museum in Berlin, and the National Museum of Tokyo. This time, the exhibition features Cartier exploring the secret of his creative approach to exploring the hidden potential of materials and how he has pioneered the realm of jewelry expression.

The reason why this Seoul exhibition is special is that Cartier collections, ranging from the most modern works to modern or antique works, can be found in one place. Since it is very rare for such selections to be open to the public, I think it will be a good opportunity for those who love jewelry design.

The interior of the exhibition was designed by Hiroshi Sugimoto and Tomoyuki Sakakida of the New Material Research Laboratory, which had three themes: 'Material Transformation and Colors, Formes and Designs et Universal Curiosity'.

3. Highlights of the Cartier Exhibition

Prologue - Space of Time

You can see Cartier's mystery clock and prism clock, which show the essence of his artistry, creativity, and outstanding technology. It is not just a function as an art decoration, but also an expression of the mysterious truth of time. The space here adjusted the light with deep and low illumination and gave a light and transparent feeling by using a special fabric called ‘Ra(羅)’. This fabric was a special device that added Korean elements to the exhibition.

Chapter 1. Transformation and Color of Material

For the creation of an innovative design, Cartier used a bold color combination of diamonds, silicates, and various gems that stand out with platinium.

Chapter 2. Shape and Design

For jewelry's design, you can find "New Architecture" that illuminates architectural elements, "Optics" that implements movement, "Harmony in Chaos" and "Beauty All Around" that seek new beauty in places that seem unrelated to jewelry, like industrial fields. Entering the exhibition space, you can find oya stone, which is mined in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, and the rough and cracked surface formed by the hardening of the volcano's magma seemed to show mystery and long historical time.

Chapter 3. Global Curiosity

Louis Cartier was very interested in the world's culture. This fact could be inferred from his art collections and libraries, which seemed to have been inspired by the past, present, or Western cultures. It appeared as if jewelry were placed on a spaceship, and a soft oval display stand was floating in the dark.

My Experience & Conclusion - Cartier, Crystallization of Time

Looking at the Seoul exhibition <Cartier, Crystalization of Time>, I came to think that the source of inspiration for Cartier design was the constant conception, abstraction, cultural research, and various architectural forms and movements. Of course, there may be some things I haven't discovered yet. However, if you visit Dongdaemun DDP, you will be able to catch up on such things quickly in general. These are not common collections and jewelry, so I hope you can visit and see them when you travel to Seoul.

One regrettable point is that the exhibition in Korea is somewhat similar to the one in Japan. There are original designers and world-class architects in Korea, and it would have been a better exhibition if they could have created a better "Korean" synergy with them.

Seoul Travel Guide near DDP

The accommodation near Dongdaemun DDP that I want to recommend to visitors to Seoul is Ramada by Windham Seoul Dongdaemun, and if you are looking for a cost-effective accommodation, I recommend Saturdayoko Seoul Dongdaemun 2. Everyone can see the neighborhood on foot, and you can walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream and arrive at Euljiro to explore the culture of the young generation in Korea, and furthermore, it will be a good option to visit the World Heritage Site Jongmyo Shrine. There are many delicious restaurants and cafes nearby, so look at Google ratings and make travel plans.

If you have any questions about traveling to Korea, feel free to leave a comment or email me!