wonjae sung repurposes discarded plastic and makeup into intricate chairs and lights

always break by wonjae sung

Wonjae Sung’s Always Break breathes new life into discarded products, revitalizing them as functional works of art. The project sets out to deconstruct the fixed form of off-the-shelf items, presenting a subdued reinterpretation of their essence with a methodical approach. Utilizing moolastic children’s toys and unconventional materials commonly found in specialist makeup, the designer boils, colors, and shapes these materials by hand into a series of intricate, abstract chairs and lights.

from waste to sculptural furniture

Wonjae Sung’s initial exploration of this manual manufacturing process began with the Fniss light, which was crafted from repurposed Ikea waste of a frame of the same name. Building upon this, the thorn-covered chair of Always Break emerged, realized with the intent of discouraging mass disposal and protecting the environment. High pack chairs, often discarded from offices and school, were reclaimed and remanufactured as the artist introduced spines on the armrest and backrest, deviating from their original robust and mundane image. 

With the Connection Chairs, also originating from off-the-shelf products, the blooming spines remain a motif while the project’s emphasis shifted towards organic connections. Sung sought to highlight importance of organizational maps that can demonstrate strength through numerous organic connections, even if they individually may appear fragile. Sung draws parallels between these organic forms and the intricate nature of human relationships, business dynamics, and the diverse connections that shape our lives.

project info:

name: Always Break 
designer: Wonjae Sung

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