<Bernard Buffet - Light of a Genius: Shadow of the Clown> is his second large-scale retrospective in Korea. This exhibition sheds light on his dazzling yet tragic life and artistic world, narrating his journey from the beginning of life, through growth, to death, using a keyword-based storytelling approach. It is designed to allow visitors to deeply connect with his works.
Bernard Buffet once said, “If I could not paint, I would rather die.” For him, painting was like breathing—it was the essence of his life. With the design concept of ‘Breath,’ the exhibition creates cyclical spaces that continually connect the artist’s inspiration and message with the present day. Each space conveys the idea that beyond Buffet’s personal death, the traces, influences, and memories he left behind continue infinitely. The nostalgia within his works still exerts an endless impact on us in various forms and emotions.
Key themes in Buffet’s work—desolation, introspection, and frustration—are maximized through spatial design. The 1600mm hanging walls, which are only partially covered at the top, require visitors to bend down to pass through, physically experiencing human suffering and psychology. This act of bending offers an experience akin to peering into the depths of humanity or Buffet’s own inner self. In the ‘Clown’ section, mirrors are used to create a hidden effect, visually representing the symbolism of the clown—concealing true emotions and hiding behind a mask. The clown serves as a self-portrait of Buffet, as well as a symbol of the pain and trauma experienced by his era, revealing inner anxiety and fear. In this section, the clown paintings are arranged to face each other, prompting visitors to reflect deeply.
Before entering the final section dealing with ‘death,’ a monochromatic black-and-white space, utilizing dramatic lighting, powerfully conveys Buffet’s tragic emotions. This space allows visitors to feel the breath contained within his works and interpret them from their own perspectives and viewpoints.
Furthermore, the exhibition incorporates environmental considerations. Modular wooden partition walls were used to reduce waste after the exhibition, and on-site material cutting was minimized to prevent wood waste. Reusable cement boards were used as finishing materials, demonstrating a commitment to resource conservation. This exhibition not only provides an immersive experience of Bernard Buffet’s life and works but also conveys a message of sustainability and environmental consciousness.
Bernard Buffet Exhibition
Design Midum
Silver

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Jugal Mistri
Founder
at JMA Mumbai
6
6
6
6
6

Ou Xiao
Founder and Design Director
at Xiaoou Office
6.5
6
7
6
6.38

Zhen Song
General Manager of Interior Design Department
at Wide Horizon Invest Group
It's an excellent exhibition space...
8.5
8
8.5
7.5
8.13

Laura Bielecki
Associate Director of Interiors
at Dubai Holding Real Estate
8
7.5
8
7
7.63

Kevin Haley
Founder and Managing Director
at Kevin Haley Studio
6
6
7
6
6.25

Adrien Ganassin
Sr. Director F&B Design & Development
at Marriott International
8.5
8
8.5
7
8

Bani Singh
Founder and Creative Director
at Grounded Design
8.5
7.5
8
7
7.75

Joya Nandurdikar
Founding Partner
at Untitled Design Consultant and Furgonomics by Ud
7.5
7
7.5
7.5
7.38

Valeria Segovia
Principal
at Gensler
Great ideas and good use of lightin...
8
8
8
8
8

Fernando Sordo Madaleno
Principal
at Sordo Madaleno
6.5
8
7
6.5
7
Designer
Client
Hansol BBK
Floor area
1200 ㎡
Completion
2024
Lighting
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