What is painting? Christian Bonnefoi answers
Inside Maison Hermès in Seoul is an art gallery where Atelier Hermès presents movers in the current art scene.
What is painting? French painter Christian Bonnefoi redefines art by putting collages on porous fabrics. “His works evoke the image of aerial acrobats who spring up into the air, with a net placed on the ground.”
Bonnefoi who was an art historian made studies focused on Cubism and Constructivism and took up collage in response, it is said, to existentialist views of painting. “As a specialist in Picasso’s collages, he is credited as the first person who put significance on pins to attach collages to a picture surface.”
Bonnefoi’s exhibit is open to the public until May 28, after which three Korean artists come in.
My Hermès plate is full—of good food
Shop, appreciate art, and eat! This is what guests can do at the Maison Hermès building.
Hermès Cafe Madang was a treat to the palate as well as the eyes. Hermès partnered with The Shilla Hotel for its food. A good choice, as we experienced The Shilla’s good service and cuisine during our stay in Seoul.
The appetizer was a blend of two things I really love: feta cheese and tomatoes. The starter set of toast topped with greens, plus spoonfuls of roe, was exquisite. For my main dish, I had risotto with crunchy bits of mushroom—so divine! Dessert was fruity for me, and a chocolate cake with the familiar signature “H” on top was quite a sight!
What made the dining experience complete was the use of Hermès dinnerware and cutlery. And, as any Hermès experience also feeds the mind—there was a wall of books in the cafe.
Keeping culture in the modern psyche
Culture keeper. I love the phrase—and the soul behind it. Hermès, with its centuries-old heritage, is a culture keeper. And to make our Seoul experience complete, Hermès brought us to the place where Arumjigi Culture Keepers showcases its commitment to embracing and taking care of the cultural heritage of Korea.
This non-profit organization explains: “Pride in Korean culture is the ultimate reason that the Korean people can stand tall in the face of heavy currents of globalization. Arumjigi wants our precious cultural heritage to be imprinted in the psyche of modern Korean society.”
As a K-drama lover familiar with the Joseon Dynasty scenes, I appreciated details such as the hanok (Korean home) then and now, and the evolution of the hanbok (Korean dress) for both men and women.
Rooms then had heating from beneath the wooden floor (left). Today, stone floors are still heated and there’s no need to remove your shoes.
Replicas of furniture from the Joseon centuries in their signature red color.
My new Seoul sisters: Tarrah Austria of Hermès and Cheche Moral of PDI at the NAIA departure lounge.
Rooms then had heating from beneath the wooden floor (left). Today, stone floors are still heated and there’s no need to remove your shoes.
Replicas of furniture from the Joseon centuries in their signature red color.
My new Seoul sisters: Tarrah Austria of Hermès and Cheche Moral of PDI at the NAIA departure lounge.
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