“In his debut Detroit gallery exhibition, Mike Han: United by Design, (9/2- 9/30) Han will showcase his creative practice working across disciplines inspired by his Korean heritage, graffiti, and modern design. “In this exhibition, I’m proud to introduce The House of Han as a sustainable lifestyle brand. I think so much about how in order to create, you must destroy. How can I add value to people’s lives without harming the environment? These challenges posed in my art I seek to address with The House of Han as a product brand, creating sustainably at scale to enrich everyday life.
His exhibition debuts various design collaborations including 3D printed tables with Haddy, a rug collection with Gardner-White Furniture, and a new modular wall art system developed with Leon Speakers. He will also showcase his recent collaborations with SEE Eyewear, CultureVerse, and Detroitissimi.
“United by Design is a showcase of my collaborations ranging from fashion to furniture, presenting work that has been sold nationwide, showcased abroad in Italy, and features a new series of Modern Vandalism paintings made on salvaged blueprints from famed Detroit architects Albert Kahn and Minoru Yamasaki.”
In a clear homage to Keith Haring, Mike Han has developed a visual language that incorporates personal elements from his Korean ancestry which translate into fine art pieces as well as patterning that suits both interior and wearable products. This vandalized Yamasaki architectural rendering’s natural discoloration allows for some depth under the one-dimensional calligraphy.
The deep blue of the repurposed Kahn drawings balances the preponderance of the soft, natural palette worn by a majority of this exhibition.
Flow is the one for-the-sake-of-it piece. The organic border contrasts with the graphic nature of the now familiar markings and prevents the piece from going entirely flat.
Discussed in depth in a video interview for paid subscribers, Gardner White has appropriated Han’s signature style into scalable interior elements such as this jute rug. Han has contracted with other companies who will also be creating pieces for the home as well as one’s wardrobe. The video records the entire exhibition—during installation—allowing a complete view of Han’s endeavors.
“I believe Keith Haring was right, art should be accessible, and I believe the same should be true for design but the things made for everyone must also be made responsibly,” says Han. “I aspire to design things that add value, beauty, and joy to people's everyday lives with the environment in mind.” –Mike Han
During Detroit’s Month of Design I’ll be covering artists whose work has been adapted to various surfaces and spaces illustrating art doesn’t have to be confined within a frame or set on a pedestal to bring loveliness to its surroundings.
On view through Sept 30th at Playground Detroit 2845 Gratiot Detroit.
Mike Han events link
Detroit Month of Design returns for its 13th edition September 1-30 and continues to explore the theme “United by Design” because it is too complex and important given current events. Taking place throughout the City of Detroit and online, the festival features a balanced combination of virtual, outdoor, and indoor experiences. Key program elements include a mix of sponsored, independently produced, and Design Core signature events that range from exhibitions, installations, product launches, lectures, panel discussions, tours, workshops, and more. Detroit Month of Design is produced by Design Core Detroit, an economic development non-profit organization housed within the College for Creative Studies.
*images courtesy of the gallery
direct quote from gallery materials
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SHOWS OPEN THIS WEEKEND
Dally in the Alley Sept 9th