About
(pronounced: KAH-moh / derived from 'camouflage')
KAMOU
KAMOU(b. 1991) is a Seoul-based artist whose artistic identity is rooted in his childhood exposure to his father’s plush toy business. This environment led him to treat objects as "rare treasures," sparking a lifelong fascination with modern art.
His creative path took a turning point in 2015 while studying Economics at University of Southern California (’16). Inspired by a projection mapping display, he became captivated by the concept of self-illuminating objects — exploring the possibility of light as an intrinsic element of the objet.
Following five years of solitary technical development,
he now merges parametric design with a structural inlay aesthetic rooted in the visual language of Korean lacquerware tradition, capturing the 'ephemeral glow' of his internal world, transforming resilient self-taught artistry into luminous, tangible sculptures.
Inspiration
Walt Disney Concert Hall - Los Angeles
The Parametric Vision
KAMOU explores a unique sculptural aesthetic by fusing Parametric Design—a staple of modern architectural engineering—with the intricate artistry of traditional Korean mother-of-pearl craftsmanship.
While living amidst the landscape of Los Angeles, where artificial structures intersect with organic coastal curves, KAMOU was struck by a fundamental question: “Can digital tools truly coexist with human craftsmanship?”
Mother-of-pearl lacquerware
The Philosophy of Lacquerware
The answer was found in the philosophy of traditional lacquerware.
Using parametric algorithms, KAMOU designs complex inlay pieces and smooth contours beyond the reach of conventional design method.
These forms are then brought to life through a process inspired by the structural logic and visual discipline of Korean lacquerware tradition, achieving a perfect harmony of visual and tactile beauty.
Inlay pieces
Meticulous Process
The work is a meditative journey of patience and precision. Inspired by the 'Najeon-chilgi' (traditional Korean lacquerware) technique, KAMOU meticulously inlays each element to ensure a seamless, luminous flow.
Every Swarovski crystal is treated as a "rare treasure," hand-set into the structure to infuse a sense of classical elegance into the cold, technical foundation. This rigorous process captures the ephemeral glow of his imagination, transforming 3D-modeled geometry into a radiant, tangible sculpture.