Kurina Sohn
Kurina Sohn
Kurina Sohn is a multidisciplinary designer from Korea, currently residing and creating in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Known for her ability to traverse between various creative disciplines, Kurina’s work delves into extraordinary realms, exploring themes, narratives, and life forms that go beyond the ordinary. Her approach is grounded in thorough research, employing a poetic and conceptual lens to offer fluid and inclusive interpretations of contemporary realities. Sohn’s projects often incorporate cutting-edge tools and technologies, including artificial intelligence and digital fabrication, making her work both thought-provoking and technically innovative. Her creations span diverse mediums, ranging from collectible design to immersive installations.
Design Philosophy and Approach
Sohn’s work is driven by a desire to challenge societal norms and expand the boundaries of design. She uses technology not just as a tool but as a transformative element in her practice, ensuring that each project has a deep theoretical foundation. Her projects are known for their fluidity, aiming to break down traditional barriers between disciplines and invite inclusive interpretations. Whether through AI-driven processes or digital craftsmanship, she bridges modern technologies with reflective narratives, providing a contemporary take on design that resonates globally.
Education and Professional Work
Kurina Sohn holds a Master's degree in Contextual Design from the Design Academy Eindhoven, one of the world’s most renowned institutions for design innovation. She also has a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Fiber Art from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). Her educational background underscores her ability to blend tactile, material-based work with conceptual design.
In addition to her personal practice, Kurina is an active educator, serving as a lecturer in Crossmedia Design at AKI ArtEZ in the Netherlands. She is also a co-founder of the NeeNee Collective, a fluid collective focusing on Asian identity and representation, through which she collaborates with other artists and designers to promote diverse perspectives.
Exhibitions and Collaborations
Kurina Sohn’s work has been exhibited at prestigious venues and design events worldwide, including:
- Dutch Design Week
- COLLECTIBLES (Brussels, BE)
- Schloss Hollenegg for Design (Hollenegg, AT)
- Museum of Applied Art and Design (Vilnius, LT)
- Vienna Design Week (Vienna, AT)
- Z33 – House for Contemporary Art, Design and Architecture (Hasselt, BE)
- V2_Unstable Media (Rotterdam, NL)
- Het Nieuwe Instituut (Rotterdam, NL)
Her global presence is reflected in her participation in international residencies and receipt of several grants, further solidifying her reputation as an innovative and forward-thinking designer.
Commitment to Innovation and Social Change
Kurina Sohn’s work stands at the crossroads of technology, design, and social critique. Her commitment to innovation and pushing the limits of creative exploration ensures that her work remains relevant in an ever-evolving world. By questioning societal norms and using cutting-edge tools, she continues to pave the way for future design practices that are both technologically advanced and socially conscious.
