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Blue Sparkle.
2023, Seoul.


Blown Glass, Porcelain and LED light. 

Price upon request.

The "Sea Sparkle Collection” is an exploration of design, nature, and craftsmanship making its debut in Seoul, South Korea. The collection seamlessly combines porcelain and blown glass to represent the bioluminescent phenomenon known as Noctiluca Scintillans, or Sea Sparkle, which graces coastal shores worldwide— notably in the East Sea between Korea and Japan.

The “Blue Sparkle” lamp encapsulates the essence of calm and fluidity within the Sea Sparkle Collection. Its frosted surface casts a soft, underwater glow, emulating the serenity of aquatic environments. The elongation of the rounded design of the glass represents the distortion created by elements when placed underwater.

Distinguished by its incorporation of dripping porcelain, this piece bridges the boundary between solidity and fluidity, drawing inspiration from the notion of melting rocks associated with coastal ecosystems. This design element transports observers to the underwater ecosystems of the sea, where the play of light and water creates a tranquil and captivating experience. The inclusion of porcelain in the collection serves to connect these creations to South Korea, where the pieces are produced, harkens back to the celebrated white porcelain craftsmanship that Korean artisans have ben using for generations.

The Sea Sparkle Collection encapsulates the essence and ethereal beauty of the sea sparkle phenomenon through innovative design and detailed craftsmanship.


블루 스파클, 서울, 2023.

블로운 글래스, 도자기, LED 조명.

디자인, 자연, 장인정신에 대한 탐구를 담은 '씨 스파클 컬렉션'이 대한민국 서울에서 첫 선을 보입니다. 이 컬렉션은 도자기와 블로우 글라스를 매끄럽게 결합하여 한국과 일본 사이의 동해 등 전 세계 해안가를 장식하는 생물 발광 현상인 녹틸루카 신틸란스, 즉 씨 스파클을 표현합니다.

'블루 스파클' 램프는 씨 스파클 컬렉션에 평온함과 유동성의 정수를 담아냈습니다. 반투명 표면이 수중에서 은은한 빛을 발산하여 수중 환경의 평온함을 표현합니다. 둥근 디자인의 길쭉한 글라스는 수중에 놓였을 때 요소들이 만들어내는 왜곡을 나타냅니다.

물방울이 떨어지는 도자기를 사용한 것이 특징인 이 작품은 해안 생태계와 관련된 바위가 녹는다는 개념에서 영감을 얻어 견고함과 유동성 사이의 경계를 이어줍니다. 이 디자인 요소는 빛과 물의 유희가 고요하고 매혹적인 경험을 선사하는 바다의 수중 생태계로 관람객을 안내합니다. 컬렉션에 도자기를 포함시킨 것은 이 작품들이 생산되는 한국과 연결되는 역할을 하며, 한국 장인들이 수 세대에 걸쳐 사용해 온 유명한 백자 장인 정신을 떠올리게 합니다.

씨 스파클 컬렉션은 혁신적인 디자인과 섬세한 장인 정신을 통해 바다의 반짝임 현상의 본질과 미묘한 아름다움을 담아냈습니다.


Plaja Studio, blown glass and porcelain lamp under construction in neutral white background Blown glass lamps in pink, blue, and transparent hues by Plaja Studio on neutral background Detail of Blue Sea Sparkle lamp made with Porcelain and Blown Glass on White Background, Plaja Studio Blue Sea Sparkle lamp made with Porcelain and Blown Glass on White Background, Plaja Studio Sea Sparkle collection from Plaja Studio exhibited at Forerium in Seoul, South Korea Plaja Studio Porcelain and blown glass lamps from sea sparkle collection, illuminating dark space Blue Sea Sparkle lamp made with Porcelain and Blown Glass on White Background, Plaja Studio Three lamps made with Porcelain and Blown Glass from Plaja Studio exhibited at Forerium, South Korea

Biography






Josep Plaja (Girona, 1996) is a contemporary designer based between Barcelona and the Costa Brava whose work focuses on the study of glass and light through biomimicry. Inspired by bioluminescent animals from the seabed, Plaja combines an aesthetic centred on shape, the rawness of materials, and the relationships established between them.

Graduated in Audiovisuals and Multimedia at the University of Girona / EU ERAM and later completed a Master’s degree in Exhibition Space Design at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia in collaboration with the CCCB.

His work centres on exploring the relationship between light and glass, finding inspiration in bioluminescent creatures and using their natural radiance as a basis for his designs, represented in an abstract and evocative way. Moreover, his creative process emphasises the versatility of materials, allowing each collection and project to adapt to its concept and production environment. This approach not only deepens the connection between the artwork and its place of production, but also encourages new relationships between glass and other refined materials—expanding the possibilities of form, texture, and material interaction while remaining open to both traditional and innovative production methods.

His pieces generate a dialogue between the object and the viewer, attempting to turn the latter into their own prey, much like bioluminescent animals use light to attract and hunt. The attraction generated by light, contrasted with the aggressiveness and fragility of glass, creates a parallel with these creatures that are beautiful yet dangerous at the same time. Through this tension, Plaja reflects on those toxic elements that seduce us purely through their beauty.