Sabo In Plastic

The illustrator, artist, and collector Sang Bong Lim (alias SABO) from Seoul planned an exhibition of his life's work to date and also published a collection of bags with his illustrations for the occasion. An easy-to-build, clever, and appropriate pop-up display concept was to be developed for these bags to showcase the intersection of art and functional product design.

My concept "SABO IN PLASTIC" uses mass-produced plastic stools as readymades, which are a staple of the everyday Seoul street scene. By repurposing these familiar objects, the installation creates a powerful emotional connection between the presentation and the cultural origin of the artist. The stools serve as a modular foundation that reflects the urban energy of South Korea while providing a minimalist backdrop for the detailed illustrations.

The chairs can be used almost without modification and can therefore be resold after use or even sold as unique souvenirs during the exhibition. This approach contributes to the ecological and economic sustainability of the design, ensuring that the temporary installation leaves a minimal footprint. It transforms a simple industrial product into a meaningful design element that bridges the gap between high art and street culture.

Location: Choeunsook Gallery, Seoul (South Korea)
Supervision by Prof. Philipp Teufel at Hochschule Düsseldorf