venice architecture biennale 2010 preview: suh architects + do ho suh

venice architecture biennale 2010 preview: suh architects + do ho suh ‘blue print’ by do-ho suh and suh architects for the venice architecture biennale, 2010 all images courtesy of do-ho suh and suh architects photograph by stefano graziani © do-ho suh, 2010

‘blueprint’ is a collaboration project between korean artist do-ho suh and seoul-based practice suh architects (eulho suh and kyungen kim) for this year’s international architecture biennale in venice, italy. the 12.7m-long installation explores the notion of a home by questioning the boundaries between where one once was, is, and soon will be. the art piece features two parts: the first is a 1:1 scale reproduction of the new york townhouse where do-ho suh currently resides constructed entirely out of translucent nylon fabric. the hand-stitched recreation is suspended horizontally to hover above the viewer by a system of wires that run from wall to wall. the second part is a floor piece laid directly under the former, seemingly employing the role of shadow to the floating building. made out of CNC-milled high pressure laminate panels, the piece features a composite image of the artist’s original home in korea, the new york townhouse facade, and a typical venetian villa’s facade. the compilation is not merely an overlap of images but a morphing of the three typologies: the industrial brick facade bears a number of gothic-looking windows with lancet arches and decorative railings while the bay window is topped with a style of tiled roof found in traditional korean hanok houses. the result is a physical shadow of the haunting architectural facade that blurs the line between real and reflection, art and architecture, and the elements of the past, present, and future.

installation view photograph by stefano graziani © do-ho suh, 2010