‘True to Type’ by Jinsik Kim sculpts humanity through multisensory design

In a world inundated with visual stimuli, it is imperative to recognise that the essence of human emotions extends far beyond what meets the eye. Objects, beyond their visual aesthetics, possess the power to evoke deep emotions by tapping into our senses - a sentiment at the heart of True to Type, a furniture line co-founded and curated by Seoul-based designer, Jinsik Kim. The allure of it lies not only in the visual appeal but in its intentional exploration of sensory aspects that seamlessly unite touch, smell, and hearing with the visual experience.

Objects become conduits for emotions, transcending their utilitarian roles to offer a fully immersive, tactile and sensory encounter. Kim’s philosophy, echoed in the brand’s ethos, urges us to move beyond the limitations of visual perception, emphasising that true emotional resonance is found in the delicate interplay of materials, their inherent purity and the craftsmanship that brings them to life. STIR journeys through True to Type, illustrating how each piece encapsulates the notion that true design is felt, heard and experienced on a multisensory level.

The genesis of True to Type is rooted in the Korean designer’s commitment to reshaping perspectives on life through human senses. In a design landscape where modernity often prioritises functionality and rationality, this furniture design brand emerges as a beacon of warmth, embracing cultural heritage and the evolving zeitgeist. The brand places a profound emphasis on sensibility, challenging the prevailing trends with a unique focus on the subtle interplay of materials. As a brand dedicated to furniture and lifestyle, True to Type aspires to be the next generation, not merely as a collection of objects but as an embodiment of an aspiring ethos that seeks to rekindle the very sense of humanity. The inaugural collection serves as a canvas for this aspiration, offering a diverse array of product designs ranging from chairs, side tables, screens, and mirrors to vases.

At the heart of this collection is the Upright chair and table. Characterised by a striking metal glimmer subtly peeking through wooden slats, the Upright series is an embodiment of simplicity in design with a compact yet sturdy body. Beyond the visual elegance, the chair design embodies Kim’s philosophy that design is not just about what we see but what we feel. The intentional combination of a metal frame with angled wood pieces creates a robust and stable structure.

The subtle curve on the backrest provides gentle support, encouraging an upright posture that, in turn, resonates with the chair’s intended use in conference rooms and dynamic spaces like art galleries and museums. The chair’s T-shaped metal frame structure, bronze screws, and the interplay of shiny metal surfaces with matte wood surfaces showcase a vivid impression that changes with the angle of the chair. “We seek to find the existence of a material and the reason for its existence, and to convey the distinct emotions felt from the material”, shares Kim.

Another piece in the collection is the Mass side table which celebrates the robustness of wooden furniture in an authentic reflection of its natural essence. While many modern designs may prioritise sleek surfaces, True to Type chooses to forego sanding work deliberately. This decision unveils the raw, natural characteristics and hues of the material, reminding us that true beauty lies in embracing imperfections. The table design exhibits meticulous craftsmanship and a sculptural shape that transcends mere functionality, resembling a work of art.

The Chiaro screen, inspired by the art term chiaroscuro, plays with light and shadow to create a rich emotional space. The use of simple shapes, squares and circles in various sizes and thickness, is reminiscent of sunlight shining through clouds. The designer’s philosophy, viewing design as an experience beyond visual elements, is evident in the deliberate consideration of the relationship between light and shadow. The screen serves not only as a functional element but as a piece that evokes a pure aesthetic, using simplicity for a concise yet powerful presence in any space.

The Monile wall mirror takes on a sculptural form, resembling a pendant necklace. The name comes from the Latin words for ‘necklace’ and ‘jewel’. Made from highly reflective super-mirror stainless steel with a hole in the middle, the mirror allows users to experience both the reflective and non-reflective sides. This piece designed to be mounted on a wall hook, reflects the brand’s commitment to a fully immersive tactile and sensory experience. The mirror invites users to experience it from both angles, adding a playful yet functional dimension to its artistic form.

The Ore box, a multi-purpose box with a delicately treated surface reminiscent of fine jewellery craftsmanship, stands out as a dramatic approach to showcasing the material’s charm. Made of thick aluminium weighing 8T, the box defies convention by emphasising the beauty of the material and its inherent strength. The signature sunken corners, aesthetically expressed to avoid dullness, create a play of light when an object is placed inside the box. This attention to detail not only showcases the material’s charm but also stimulates sensitivity by creating a new relationship between the inside of the box and the object.

The Composition vase, with an intricate surface texture akin to meticulously sculpted jewellery, adds a touch of elegance to the collection. The deliberate choice to retain the material’s substantial weight, using metal, is once again evident in this product design. The vase, like the other items in the collection, encapsulates the essence of True to Type prominently emphasising purity and a commitment to reshaping perspectives through sensory experiences.

Completing the collection is the Arouse tray, boldly underscoring the intrinsic texture and vibrancy of metal. With thick aluminium plates, the tray adds a dynamic element to the ensemble. In line with the brand’s philosophy, the tray does not shy away from the weight and texture of the material, offering users an immersive experience in tactile sensations conveyed by metal.

Kim’s studio Jinsik Kim, founded in 2013, serves as a crucible of creativity encompassing art direction, installation art, sculpture, design and brand consulting. The visual stories emanating from this studio start from the meticulous exploration of small differences, culminating in high-quality details that define each piece of the collection. Collaborations with global brands such as Christofle, Baccarat, Bolon, Hermes, Nestle, FRAME magazine, LG Household & Health Care, and more have not only shaped the brand’s trajectory but have been exhibited at prestigious events worldwide.

Kim’s current role as an adjunct professor at Ewha Woman’s University and Konkuk University adds an educational dimension to his creative endeavours. His academic journey aligns with the philosophy of True to Type, encouraging a holistic understanding of design that transcends the visual domain. Graduating from the Master Design Luxury & Craftsmanship course at ECAL/Ecole cantonale d’art de Lausanne in Switzerland, his journey is one of constant exploration and a relentless pursuit of reshaping human experiences through design.

True to Type is not merely a collection of furniture pieces but an invitation to reimagine the way we interact with our surroundings, As the creative director aptly puts it, “Design is like the weather. We feel and experience objects and spaces not only through visual elements but also through skin, smell and hearing”. Beyond the visual allure, True to Type beckons us to feel and experience spaces and objects on an emotional level- a reminder that design, at its core, is an art form that transcends the limitations of sight.