South Korea, OMA Space, Hemp Textile & Clothing Design

OMA Space is an art and design studio based in Seoul. The team is composed of Jang Jiu (founder and director), Daniel Kapelian (art director and partner) and Kyoungyoung Gil (designer and partner). OMA Space engages in experimental work: blending tradition with innovation based on the acquisition of both primitive techniques and digital tools, with a priority emphasis on sustainable coexistence between humanity and nature throughout its design process.

OMA Space is currently carrying out the HEMP MOVEMENT project. Hemp, an eco-friendly material that has been passed down from ancient times to the present, is a plant that can play an important role in modern society. It has been recognized as a cutting-edge material that sustains the future, especially climate change.

OMA Space hopes to solve the problems of habitat and survival of all living things on earth, including humans, by innovatively and artistically sublimating the role of “Hemp”, and presenting new alternatives for the sustainable life of mankind.

The “HEMP BAG” series is part of the HEMP MOVEMENT project, so that the legacy of traditional hemp cultivation can be continued without disappearing, by revitalizing the local community. This is the first attempt to creatively develop a design product related to hemp in Korea. This project led by Jang Jiu, researched and harvested by Lee Chan-sik, woven by the community of Bo-sung province in Korea. The bag series was designed and made by Kyoung-young Gil.

Starting with these attempts, OMA Space plana to present an expanded vision for “Hemp (麻)” and apply it to various fields.

OMA Space was featured in Selvedge Magazine Issue 74 Wild. 

To further follow the story of OMA Space, please find them on social media here.