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Production Journal: Lamborghini Countach Kite at the Gwangju Design Biennale

The legendary Countach, successor to Lamborghini's iconic first model Miura, marks its 50th anniversary this year. A car that was truly ahead of its time.

From the early morning meetings—fighting off sleep, jotting down ideas, interpreting across languages—the process of crafting this exhibition piece has been both exhausting and exhilarating. As the artist behind the work, I too was curious: how would this actually come to life? And knowing that it would eventually be displayed at the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile in Turin, Italy, only added to the pressure.



A Rainy Start, A Resolved Plan

Just as the monsoon season began, I finally found clarity. With official approval from Lamborghini and the Turin Automobile Museum, we solidified our plan:
A full-scale Countach kite, designed by Simone Carena of Motoelastico, co-produced by Glimtory and Motoelastico, and crafted using traditional Korean hanji (paper).
Not as a typical hanji lantern, but rather a hanji kite—infused with symbolic aspiration and flight.



Gwangju Design Biennale – International Pavilion

This work will be a central installation in the International Pavilion of the Gwangju Design Biennale.
The project is a collective effort led by Motoelastico, with contributions from:

  • Simone Carena

  • Kim Hyun-sun

  • Lim Young-taek

  • Shinichi Eco

  • Akama Timotsu

  • Mariella Mengozzi

  • Benedetto Camerana

  • Marcello Gandini

The collaboration captures the futuristic vision of the Countach, reinterpreted through the lens of Korean craftsmanship and design innovation.



The Frame Is Now Complete

The frame is now finished—what remains are painting, pasting, and final coating.
Unlike hanji lanterns, crafting the Countach as a hanji kite was a first. The goal was to capture the bold contours of the car’s exterior while stripping away unnecessary elements for minimalism.

Since the kite will be displayed in an inverted flying position, special attention had to be given to shadows cast by architectural lighting, making the frame construction especially demanding. Still, it has been an exciting challenge.

After finalizing the frame, we took a commemorative photo with the director of Motoelastico—a symbolic moment as we prepare to send the Countach kite to the skies, carrying with it our hopes for its symbolic "Korean flight."



Specs of the Full-Scale Countach Kite

  • Dimensions:

    • Width: 4,462mm

    • Depth: 2,086mm

    • Height: 582mm

  • Materials:

    • Wire frame

    • Multi-layered hanji paper

    • Hanji coating finish

While the simplified design adheres strictly to the blueprints, I can’t help but feel a bit of longing—perhaps we lose something when we follow all the rules too closely. Sometimes, deviation creates beauty.



Ready for Takeoff: Off to Gwangju

The kite is now being carefully packed and shipped to Gwangju by a professional art transport service.
Everything was prepared meticulously and loading went smoothly. They really know what they’re doing.

And so, the Countach kite—crafted with hanji, tradition, and the spirit of innovation—is now on its way to meet the public.

See you at the Gwangju Design Biennale.



Finally, Installation is Complete!

I just received word that the installation has finally been completed.
Meanwhile, I’m feeling a bit dizzy from the vaccine… 

This piece will be exhibited at the Gwangju Design Biennale International Pavilion.
The theme of this year’s International Pavilion is “De-Revolution.”

Shall we take a look at some photos from the exhibition?



It’s truly moving to see the iconic early model of the Lamborghini, the Countach, recreated as a traditional Korean shield kite using our native Hanji paper.



Through the fusion of speed and tradition, this work presents the beauty of heritage in a contemporary form—and I can’t help but feel a deep sense of pride in that.



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