From November 1 to December 19, 2024, Kimreeaa Gallery in Seoul will showcase Toi Toi Toilette, an exhibition spotlighting the distinctive collection of SABO (Sang-Bong Lim). This exhibit brings a fresh perspective to daily life by exploring the unique combination of Bauhaus-inspired design and the intimate space of the bathroom. With a focus on human-centered design and the convergence of functionality and aesthetics, Toi Toi Toilette invites viewers to consider how spaces of daily necessity can transform into sources of artistic inspiration.
The Bauhaus movement, originating in Germany during the early 20th century, remains one of the most influential forces in modern art, design, and architecture. With a philosophy that emphasized the integration of art, technology, and craftsmanship, Bauhaus redefined design by focusing on the aesthetic and functional needs of modern life. This exhibition takes the rarely spotlighted restroom, typically overlooked in the realm of art, and uses it to reflect Bauhaus ideals. By reimagining the bathroom as a design-centric space, SABO’s collection demonstrates how even mundane spaces can embody beauty and purpose.
The exhibition opens on the first floor with a recreated 1970s bathroom designed by Swiss designer Luigi Colani for Villeroy & Boch. Known for his organic, nature-inspired forms, Colani’s pieces in this collection balance form and function, merging utility with artistry. The smooth, flowing lines of his ceramics showcase a visionary approach to design that aligns with Bauhaus values, highlighting the harmony between human form and industrialized objects. The display reflects Bauhaus’s goal of creating functional beauty in items meant for everyday use, showing how thoughtful design can elevate even the simplest objects.
Moving up to the second floor, the exhibition expands with a series of period furniture and lighting that capture the essence of the Bauhaus era. Modular office furniture is also included to illustrate the era's emphasis on flexibility and space efficiency—principles that continue to inform design today. This floor bridges the Bauhaus aesthetic from the personal space of the bathroom to broader domestic and professional settings, presenting a holistic view of the movement’s impact on modern interiors.
The third floor adds a whimsical layer to the exhibition by showcasing playful lighting and decor that reference the Bauhaus movement’s creative diversity. From lighting fixtures to unique art pieces, this section explores how the Bauhaus ideals of practicality and artistry found expression in innovative ways across various media. Through this playful approach, SABO encourages visitors to reimagine the boundaries of art in daily life, proposing that art and beauty can be found in places as simple as a light switch or a chair.
SABO’s journey of collecting these objects began in the 1990s during his studies in Germany. Drawn to the Bauhaus movement’s revolutionary spirit and its impact on everyday life, SABO has curated a collection that reflects the values of functionality, simplicity, and beauty that define the movement. For him, each object represents “Living Art,” an idea that art is not merely for display but serves practical functions that enrich daily experiences. This notion resonates deeply with Kimreeaa Gallery’s mission of promoting art that lives within everyday spaces.
Kimreeaa Gallery’s vision for Toi Toi Toilette goes beyond mere exhibition, encouraging visitors to see art as a continuous thread woven into the fabric of daily life. By focusing on a seemingly humble space, this exhibition challenges viewers to rethink their perceptions of art, beauty, and practicality. SABO’s collection invites reflection on how design can transcend boundaries, transforming utilitarian objects into sources of meaning and beauty.
A major highlight of the exhibition is the collaboration with olfactory artists, who add a sensory element to the experience. Scents are designed to enhance the thematic exploration of the bathroom as a private, meditative space, adding another layer of depth. This sensory approach encourages visitors to immerse themselves fully, inviting a more profound interaction with SABO’s carefully curated collection.
Ultimately, Toi Toi Toilette is more than a display of historical design objects; it is an exploration of the possibilities within modern spaces to transcend the ordinary. Through Bauhaus-inspired designs, the exhibition challenges the distinction between art and daily life, reminding us that artistry can exist in the most unexpected places. For visitors, Toi Toi Toilette offers a journey into the essence of design, prompting questions about how they might re-envision their surroundings through the lens of beauty and function.
Sayart / Jason Yim, yimjongho1969@gmail.com
