SOIL
The exhibition <<SOIL>> began with a book. Through "Jeongkwan Snim, Ihre koreanische Tempelküche(Jeongkwan Snim, Her Korean Temple Cuisine)”, we were able to glimpse into the life of Jeongkwan Snim, the deep respect for nature and all living beings embedded in Korean temple food, and the value of circularity—beginning with the soil and returning to the soil.
The exhibition unfolds across the indoor and outdoor spaces of the Swiss Hanok, highlighting the importance of nature and circularity. Soil, which holds all life, the ingredients that grow from it, and the people who prepare and consume food—all come together in this space. The temple food prepared by Jeongkwan Snim is more than a meal; it creates a sacred moment where nature and humanity unite.
On the exterior walls of the Swiss Hanok, large food photographs, reminiscent of abstract paintings, captivate visitors’ curiosity. As they step through the entrance and into the courtyard, photographs naturally guide them along the exhibition path. These images, captured by photographer Véronique Hoegger during her extended stay at Cheonjinam, offer an intimate glimpse into Jeongkwan Snim’s daily life—harvesting homegrown vegetables and preparing meals with care. Through these scenes, the exhibition showcases temple food evolving through the changing seasons, embodying nature’s cycle.
Inside, the main exhibition space features a collection of grains, vegetables, fermented foods, and traditional temple cooking tools. At its center, a large round table(7 * 3.6 m) is placed at a low height(50 cm), inviting visitors to come closer to the ground(soil) as they explore the exhibit. Encircling this table, visitors naturally move in a circular path, echoing the theme of cycles and continuity. Grains and vegetables, which take root and grow in the soil, are not merely ingredients but living entities. The exhibition’s visual storytelling highlights the wonder contained in a single grain of rice, a soybean, or a leaf of cabbage—encouraging a closer, more mindful appreciation of the natural world. By presenting these everyday elements in a meticulous and profound manner, the exhibition encourages visitors to perceive the value of nature from a fresh perspective.
We hope that <<SOIL>> offers a moment to reflect on the preciousness of nature and the meaning of living in harmony with it.
Year: 2024
Type: Exhibition Design
Client: Embassy of Switzerland in Republic of Korea
Concept & Exhibition Design: Chelsea Jihong Park, Shinyoung Bahc, Yesul Jang
Graphic: Jisook Park
Photo: Bahc Shinyoung