Luminous

Youngmin Lee: Artist's Voice

“Jogak-bo, the art of Korean patchwork wrapping cloths (bojagi), embodies the philosophy of recycling, as the cloths are made from remnants of leftover fabric. It also carries wishes for the well-being and happiness of its recipients. During the rigidly Confucian society of the Joseon dynasty, it was one of the few creative outlets available to women. I chose bojagi as my creative medium, and I appreciate the beauty that results from the long and slow process of hand stitching. Bojagi work comforts me as it connects my native culture and my adopted culture.

For this set of two bojagi works, luminous mother-of-pearl lacquerware inspired me. I specifically used a technique called ‘jewel pattern’ in order to reproduce the feeling and process of Korean lacquerware onto fabric. The iridescent colors of mother-of-pearl on lacquerware reflect hidden efforts and time. I have made these works as an homage to the enormous labor and care that Joseon-dynasty mother-of-pearl artisans endured to prepare and inlay the natural materials on wooden surfaces. Although the materials are different, I patched the small pieces of fabric together to transmit the essence and philosophy embedded in Joseon mother-of-pearl lacquerware. These bojagi works are my interpretation of my tradition, as well as my reinterpretation of my native culture.”