Q. Hello, Nuri! Could you briefly introduce yourself and explain the collaboration with AMOMENTO?

A. I’m Nuri Kim, a ceramic artist based in Seoul. I work with various materials like clay and glass, creating sculptural pieces that explore the possibilities of these materials, bridging form and function. From vases and jewelry pieces to challenging sculptural works that push the boundaries of traditional ceramics, I showcase a wide range of expressions. For this collaboration with AMOMENTO, I created pieces using 'Cast Glass' — a glasscraft technique where the glass is melted and poured into molds to solidify. Inspired by AMOMENTO’s philosophy and aesthetic values, I interpreted them in my own way, presenting jewelry such as necklaces, rings, and bracelets, as well as glass trays and boxes.

Q. How did this collaboration with AMOMENTO come about?

A. My connection with AMOMENTO goes back a long time. I first met MK, the creative director of AMOMENTO, during my first solo exhibition in 2016, where I presented my ‘Cloud Base’ work, which was a project I made during my student years. I felt that the aesthetic of AMOMENTO, which transcends temporal and geographical boundaries, and its focus on sustainability resonated with my craft. Since then, we’ve naturally continued to discuss our works and philosophies, discovering common visions along the way.

I think MK has a unique sensitivity when it comes to the inspirations she draws from art, as reflected in the works of artists like Elias Crespin, which were exhibited at the AMOMENTO Hannam store. This sensitivity is embedded in the brand’s identity, creating a strong, recognizable essence that anyone can instantly identify as “AMOMENTO.” Through minimalist designs and a focus on quality, AMOMENTO contemplates sustainable fashion and creates timeless silhouettes. This has been a huge source of inspiration for me as well.

I believe that a piece should be more than just decoration. It should function as an element within a space, giving it deeper meaning. I felt the same essence in AMOMENTO’s pieces—the importance of well-made works that don’t sacrifice visual beauty. This common understanding naturally led to our collaboration.

Q. You’ve primarily worked with ceramics in the past, so why did you choose glass for this collaboration, and how did it differ from your usual process?

A. During my undergraduate studies in craft, I worked with materials like clay, metal, and wood, but I’ve always had a strong curiosity about glass. I had the opportunity to take a glass class during a summer program at Alfred University in New York, and the use of heat in the kiln, similar to ceramics, felt familiar yet new. In my 2019 solo exhibition, I experimented with fusing glass into ceramics, marking the beginning of my exploration of glass. I later discovered cast glass, a technique that I found resonated well with my approach, opening up new possibilities for my work.

MK had been following my work closely. She visited my ‘Obsession’ jewelry exhibition and the cast glass ‘Frame’ works I presented last year. When preparing for AMOMENTO’s 25SS Paris presentation, she suggested collaborating on jewelry to complement the new collection, which naturally led to this project.

Q. What was the most important aspect you focused on during the collaboration process?

A. When we started the collaboration, the main question was how to reinterpret AMOMENTO’s 25SS concept of ‘Archive Collection’ into a new form. The collection used sheer materials like nylon and organza to envelop and preserve artworks, which inspired me to create pieces using translucent glass that gently lets light pass through.

Unlike regular transparent glass, cast glass allows me to express depth in color and texture, capturing the dynamic and mysterious feeling created when light interacts with the material. Ultimately, I wanted the glass and light to naturally blend within the AMOMENTO space, creating an organic interaction.

Q. This collaboration was a long-term project, spanning about a year from planning to the release and exhibition of the 25SS collection. Were there any particularly memorable moments or challenges during the process? 이번 협업은 기획부터 25SS 컬렉션 릴리즈와 전시까지 약 1년간 진행된 장기 프로젝트였는데요. 과정 중 특별히 기억에 남는 순간이나 어려움이 있었다면 무엇인가요?

A. Working with translucent glass, a material I had never used before was a challenge in itself. The process of exploring the material was quite new, and with little information available about cast glass, I was initially unsure of the kiln temperature settings and how long to maintain them. After much trial and error, I was able to achieve the desired results.

In addition to the temperature, I also wanted to create a soft, subtle texture in the glass, similar to AMOMENTO’s sheer fabrics. I researched and learned methods for hand-finishing the glass using grit and polishing agents to achieve a natural, matte finish. In the end, I’m really happy with how the texture and feeling of the pieces turned out.

The most memorable moment was during AMOMENTO’s 25SS Paris presentation in June. There was a moment of crisis when the final pieces weren’t ready by the time the AMOMENTO team was scheduled to depart. I ended up flying to Paris with the glass pieces in hand. It was incredible to witness the energy in the beautiful space that the AMOMENTO team, the scenographer, sound designer, and models had created together. As someone who usually works alone in my studio, it was empowering to see how my work could synergize with the energy of so many people. It gave me the drive to continue pushing myself creatively.

Q. What new projects or collaborations would you like to explore in the future?

A. I’ve always been interested in expanding the possibilities of the materials I work with. I believe the materials I use can transcend the boundaries of craft, design, and architectural art. I’d love to explore more sculptural objects using cast glass, such as glass tiles with architectural elements, and I’m also considering larger-scale projects with clay, such as tables or furniture. I look forward to continuing my creative journey through various collaborations and challenges.

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share the valuable experience of working with AMOMENTO through this collaboration. Thank you to everyone who took the time to read it!