Material exploration and process below.
Indigo Miindo: Light
NYCXDesign SHINE
Research focus: material transformation, cultural translation, soft structure
Indigo Miindo: Light is a sculptural lighting piece inspired by Korean beauty portraiture (Miindo) and the flowing, pleated forms of traditional dress (hanbok). The form reinterprets these curves into lighting, with a central opal globe held within a soft, structured body shaped through draped upcycled denim. The surface features a white-to-indigo gradient, emphasizing the tonal depth of the material while echoing the visual language of traditional garments. A braided cord extends from the form, referencing traditional hairstyles and inviting tactile interaction.
The work explores how cultural forms can be translated into contemporary objects through material experimentation and making. Using upcycled denim connects sustainability with cultural narrative, transforming a familiar textile into a sculptural surface that carries new meaning. Rather than replicating tradition, the project reinterprets it through abstraction, material behavior, and everyday function.
As part of the Indigo Miindo collection, the piece reflects an ongoing investigation into material exploration, heritage, and interaction, positioning lighting not only as a functional object, but as a medium for cultural expression and engagement.
Materials:
Upcycled denim, opal globe, steel armature, cotton cord, electrical components, natural indigo dye
