Tools for Conviviality. An Exhibition Catalogue of Cheongju Craft Biennale 2021

The 11th Craft Competition aimed to reflect shifts in the craft industry and to discover noteworthy and emerging craft artists. It attracted 858 submissions, with around 70% from South Korean artists and 30% from international participants. The competition featured diverse works across various crafts such as metal, wood, ceramics, glass, textiles, and lacquer.

The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges, notably preventing overseas judges from attending in person. They adapted by conducting all evaluations online. Despite the limitations, the judges, renowned for their expertise in the craft field, ensured thorough assessments, considering the function, form, messaging, and the dedication reflected in each piece. To maintain fairness, the committee held discussions with judges in different time zones to share perspectives and reach balanced conclusions.

The curatorial process was guided by Artistic Director Misun Rheem, who also oversaw the meticulous editing of the catalogue. Texts were written by Joohee Jeon, Gayoung Oh, and others, with proofreading managed by Jinah Kim and her team. Translation services were provided by Jandtongbang, Twowaytrans, Seoyeon Cho, and Jirang Kim, making the catalogue accessible to a global audience.

The catalogue presents all participating artists and their works from the Tools for Conviviality exhibition, offering insights into their artistic statements and the thematic focus of the 11th Cheongju Craft Biennale. This makes it not only a detailed inventory of the displayed works but also a document that encapsulates the essence and vision of the event.