Yang Seong-geun

Artist Yang Seong-geun, recipient of National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 10, Mother-of-Pearl Inlay.

Born in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, he naturally entered the world of mother-of-pearl lacquerware under the influence of his father, Yang Jun-hyeong, a lacquer artist. He subsequently mastered traditional techniques while studying under Master Song Bang-ung, National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 10. After graduating from the National University of Traditional Culture, he moved to Japan, where he completed a research program at the Tokyo University of the Arts and is currently pursuing a master's degree at the same university.
The artist's primary material is mother-of-pearl. He constructs patterns by cutting thin, delicate pieces or creates three-dimensional textures by carving thick ones. He adds various techniques, such as metal powder, coloring, and lacquer, to emphasize the depth and light of his works. In particular, focusing on the property of lacquer to permeate materials and adhere firmly, he realizes free forms by allowing lacquer to soak into fabric and then hardening it. While grounded in the techniques of traditional mother-of-pearl lacquerware, this working method reveals a modern sculptural sensibility, delicately capturing the materiality and the passage of time inherent in the materials within the artwork.

[Key Profile]

2026. Tokyo University of the Arts / Graduate School of Fine Arts, Craft Major (Lacquer Art) / Master's Admission
2024. Tokyo University of the Arts / Graduate School of Fine Arts, Craft Major (Lacquerware) / Research Student
2023. Tokyo University of the Arts / Graduate School of Fine Arts, Craft Major (Lacquerware) / Exchange Student
2023. Graduated from Korea National University of Traditional Culture (Department of Traditional Arts and Crafts)

[Exhibition]

2023. Korea National University of Traditional Culture 20th Graduation Exhibition
2022. Masters and Future Masters
2022. Two Rabbits (Korea National University of Traditional Arts)
2015. Special Event for National Intangible Cultural Heritage Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Master
2015. Public Event of National Intangible Cultural Heritage Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Master
2014. Public Event of National Intangible Cultural Heritage Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Master
2014 MBC Contemporary Craft Exhibition for Child Abuse Fundraising
2014. Tongyeong City 'Mother-of-Pearl Embraces Music'‘
2013. Public Event of National Intangible Cultural Heritage Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Master
2013. Tongyeong City 'Mother-of-Pearl, Embracing the Sea'‘

[premier]

2017. Encouragement Award at the 42nd Korea Traditional Craft Exhibition
2017. Excellence Award at the 13th Traditional Art and Craft Contest
2015. Honorable Mention at the 40th Korea Traditional Crafts Exhibition
2014. Honorable Mention at the 44th Gyeongsangnam-do Craft Exhibition
2009 Jeollanam-do Mother-of-Pearl Lacquerware Skills Competition Silver Medal
2007 Jeollanam-do Mother-of-Pearl Lacquerware Skills Competition Silver Medal
2006 Jeollanam-do Mother-of-Pearl Lacquerware Skills Competition Gold Medal
2006. Honorable Mention at the 5th Wonju Korean Lacquerware Exhibition
2005 Jeollanam-do Mother-of-Pearl Lacquerware Skills Competition Bronze Meditation
2005. Special Prize at the 4th Korea Lacquerware Exhibition in Wonju
2005. Honorable Mention at the 8th World Peace Art Exhibition
2004. Honorable Mention at the 3rd Wonju Korean Lacquerware Exhibition
2003. Special Prize at the 6th World Peace Art Exhibition
2003. Honorable Mention at the 2nd Wonju Korean Lacquerware Exhibition