Seongmin Kim, a London-based artist and Central Saint Martins graduate, has developed a deep affinity for natural materials like pearls and mother-of-pearl through her collection, Motherly Love. Her work revolves around transforming unique and rare materials into distinctive designs using hand-carving techniques. Seongmin is also exploring the use of sustainable, recycled, and upcycled materials in her practice, aiming to integrate these elements into her creative process.
The Motherly Love collection, inspired by the creation of pearls, illustrates the contradictory concept of parasitic harmony. When an irritant enters an oyster’s shell, the organism covers it with nacre, known as mother-of-pearl, to protect itself from the intruder.
Through the collection, Seongmin delves into the concept of symbiosis, drawing parallels to the relationship between a mother and child. Inspired by the profound bond she shares with her sisters, she reflects on a deep sense of togetherness. The natural process of pearls forming around an intruder symbolises her vision of a lasting embrace and nurturing connection.
Artist: @hue_.s
Photography: Lean Lui
ᴅᴀᴢᴢʟᴇᴅ is an editorial series of posts featuring new collections and works by established artists in jewellery, craft, and design, handpicked by Current Obsession.
Do you have a new collection or a new body of work that’s simply dazzling? We want to hear from you! And remember, there’s no deadline – we welcome submissions throughout the whole year!
Every submission is a potential gem, and our team takes great care in handpicking projects that resonate with the contemporary scene. To submit your work, just email high-resolution images (5-10 pcs), image credentials, social media tag, work description (max 250 words), and artist bio (max 250 words) to veronika@current-obsession.com.
