The designs of Verner Panton, who is considered one of Denmark’s most influential 20th century furniture and interior designers, is now on display at Hangaram Design Museum, Seoul Arts Center in southern Seoul, through March 2.

“Verner Panton: The Collected Works ? An exhibition of Vitra Design Museum, Weil am Rhein, Germany” is the biggest exhibition ever in Korea displaying works by a single designer. It is Seoul Arts Center design department’s 20th anniversary project.

Panton (1926-1998) created innovative and futuristic designs in a variety of materials, especially plastic, and vibrant colors. Works displayed at this exhibition are from the Vitra Design Museum of Weil am Rhein, Germany, an internationally renowned museum devoted to design.

The exhibition is divided into four sections. The furniture section shows Panton-designed furniture, including his famous chairs. The “Panton chair” is a furniture design classic and is the first chair to be fully made of plastic from a single mold. The red “Heart Cone chair K3,” “Trumpet wire chair,” “Bachelor chair” and “Caster armchair” are also on display. In addition to chairs, Panton’s architectural designs are also exhibited, even though only few of them were actually built.

Like all the other aspects of his design, Panton’s lamps break the stereotypes on almost all levels. The lamp exhibition explicitly shows Panton’s Scandinavian origins, seeking aesthetic appreciation and the emotional effect of lighting. His “Spiral Lamp,” “Pendant Lamp VP Globe,” “VP Europa,” “Ring Lamp” and more are on display.

Under the subtitle of “Color, Pattern and System,” the textile section presents Panton’s signature geometric textile patterns, which he made in collaboration with Mira-X. On display are “Luna,” “Circle,” “Onion” and “Wave” among his “Collection Decor (1).” The reconstitution of “Fantasy Landscape Room” will explain Panton’s idea of harmony between the floor, wall and ceiling.

The fourth section deals with Panton’s late works. From mid 1990s, Panton’s designs were rediscovered by young designers and brought the rebirth of plastics, showing the continual influence the designer had on modern furniture and textile design.

“The main purpose of my work is to provoke people into using their imagination … I try to show new ways to encourage people to use their fantasy and make their surroundings more exciting,” said Panton.

Exhibition hours are 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. on weekdays and Sunday, and 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are available until one hour before closing. The museum is closed on the last Monday of every month. Tickets are 8,000 won for adults, 6,000 won for students and 4,000 won for children. There will be children’s workshops in January and February.

For detailed information, visit www.vernerpanton.kr or call (02) 580-1489.

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