Throughout his ongoing exploration of bamboo, Choi Byung-Kwan creates striking monochrome photographs of bamboo forests. Where he meticulously studies the plant in all its glory to create sublime, almost calming and contemplative images.
He studies the spiritual world through his constant depiction of nature and the natural world. To Choi nature is a part of self-awareness, self-recovery and enlightenment and furthermore in his native Korean culture, bamboo symbolises the SongJukJiJeol (松竹之節 unchanging integrity) from the past, SongGyoJiSu (松六之寿 strong nobility) and elegance.
Choi combines the above series’ in ‘Mother-of-Pearl’. Here he recognises and celebrates the beauty and value of the traditional craft of Korean lacquerware by incorporating it into this series, to frame these larger photographic works. Each antique handmade mother-of-pearl frame used in this series differs in shape, pattern, colour and design - therefore enhancing what is expressed in the photograph, whilst simultaneously framing it and so creating a unique Artwork.