Seoul. Domus meets South Korea

In conjunction with the launch of Domus Korea, One O One Plus in Seoul is hosting an exhibition on Domus magazine – which is celebrating its 90th year, more than 40 of which under the leadership of Gio Ponti. On display are prized historical issues, archive photographs, videos and pages from the magazine, in a brief resumé of its long history. The “Inside Out” concept ties in with the first issue of Domus Korea, which explores the relationship between inside and outside in the Korean culture and its architecture.

The link is underscored by 21 vintage prints selected from the Domus Photographic Archives and the illustrations are flanked by a selection of literary passages that expand on their meaning and lead to other stories. Twenty original issues from 1939-40 also illustrate Ponti’s capacity for innovation:  from his free approach to graphic design to his watchful eye on the news, as confirmed by the two covers on Italy joining the war in 1940.

A video specially produced for the exhibition features the covers of the first 1026 issues and is a tangible sign of the passing of time, the personalities of all its editors-in-chief and the changing tastes. Lastly, a selection of projects drawn from the magazine provides a taster of how Domus has portrayed the inside-outside relationship. “Inside Out” was curated by Simona Bordone, head of Domus Special Projects, together with Cristina Moro, Domus Archive.

Opening image: Pierre Chareau with Bernard Bijvoiet, House for a doctor, 1928-30. Published on Domus 443, 1966. Photo Harno Hammacher