Seoul Auction, one of South Korea's leading auction houses, is showcasing an extraordinary exhibition dedicated to modernist design. Titled “Jean Prouve 6x6,” the exhibition highlights the groundbreaking contributions of Jean Prouve, a French architect and designer who revolutionized 20th-century design with his modular and mass-production innovations. The exhibition runs until December 17 at Seoul Auction’s headquarters in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, in collaboration with the Seoul-based furniture gallery AndersonC.
Jean Prouve is revered as a pioneer of the postwar modernist movement, known for his ability to merge engineering and architecture. His innovative approach is exemplified in the “Demountable House,” a standout piece of the exhibition. Designed in the aftermath of World War II, the house provided temporary housing for displaced individuals. Of the approximately 400 units originally produced, only a few remain intact today. The model on display is particularly well-preserved, offering visitors a rare glimpse into a pivotal moment in modernist design history.
A central theme of the exhibition is Prouve’s philosophy, encapsulated by his quote: “There is no difference between building a piece of furniture and a building.” This perspective underscores his seamless integration of functionality, engineering, and aesthetics in both small-scale and large-scale creations.
The exhibition extends beyond Prouve, featuring works by his contemporaries and collaborators, such as Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand, Pierre Jeanneret, and George Nakashima. Among the highlights is the “Wardrobe / Room Divider,” a collaborative piece by Le Corbusier and Charlotte Perriand created around 1949, reflecting the era’s bold exploration of form and utility.
A notable quote from Le Corbusier displayed at the exhibition further celebrates Prouve’s genius: “Jean Prouve combines the soul of an engineer with that of an architect.” This sentiment echoes throughout the carefully curated selection of works, which bridges art, architecture, and industrial design.
The exhibition is not just a tribute to Prouve’s legacy but also an exploration of the modernist movement’s ethos. It brings together designs that continue to influence contemporary architecture and furniture design, resonating with today’s audiences who value sustainability, simplicity, and functionality.
With the collaborative efforts of Seoul Auction and AndersonC, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience the works of Prouve and his contemporaries in Seoul. Visitors can immerse themselves in the enduring relevance of modernist design, witnessing firsthand how these pioneers shaped the way we think about the integration of art and practicality.
Sayart / Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com
