KWAK KYUNGTAE
Kwak Kyung-tae is a celebrated figure in the world of ceramics, renowned for his devotion to preserving the ancient Korean traditions of Onggi and Buncheong. From large-scale installations to smaller, intimate vessels, Kwak’s artistry has captivated audiences in exhibitions across East Asia and Europe.
Onggi is a traditional form of Korean earthenware, valued for its breathability, durability, and distinctive hand-built forms, historically used for fermenting and storing food.
Kwak Kyungtae festival program
Thursday August 20
MASTERCLASS – 10:30-18:30 first day
MAIN STAGE – 19:00-21:00 back-to-back with Adam Field
Friday August 21
MASTERCLASS – 10:30-18:30 second day
In his masterclass, participants will learn and explore each step of the Onggi process. The journey begins with traditional Korean clay treading, engaging the entire body as a means to physically connect with and understand the material. Korean-style wedging follows, offering a rhythm and sensibility distinct from Western techniques.
Participants will then move through the core forming processes—from stretching the clay into coils (taryeom), making the base (badak), coiling up the walls (taryeomjil), paddling and shaping (suraejil), to rim making and final refinements. The class will also include discussion of traditional glaze materials and firing methods specific to Onggi ware.
Saturday August 22
PERFORMANCE STAGE – 10:30-18:30
Over the course of the two-day performance, Kwak Kyung-tae will construct an Onggi vessel measuring at least 1.5 meters in height.
In addition to this large-scale work, he will also present a live Buncheong performance, including techniques such as iron-painted (cheolhwa) Buncheong decoration.
Sunday August 23
PERFORMANCE STAGE – 10:30-18:30
MAIN STAGE – 19:00-21:00 grand finale
Program details coming soon