EK
The Hanbok series
Transformation
“The Hanbok Series” is influenced by the aspect of traditional Korean life. “Hanbok” is a traditional Korean costume that represents a symbolic aspect of Korean culture.
Transformation is a handmade paper that is derived from my husband’s white linen shirt which is a Western style garment by Ralph Lauren. Also, I wrote Bible verses on the ‘Jeogori’ which is a portion of Hanbok to express the conversion of my religion to Christianity. From Western style shirt to traditional Korean garment, from Buddhism to Christianity, this is to convey the changes in my life.
Comfort Women
Comfort women is made of hemp material which was often used in Korea for specific purposes such as funerals. The hemp is unsuitable for the purpose of garment. It is harsh and heavy for skin and it is rather used for industrial purpose. I try to response to an unfortunate history of Korea that ‘Comfort women’. More than 200,000 women were forced to become prostitutes or sex slaves for Japanese soldiers during Pacific War. I burned, cut, sewed and distressed the hemp Hanbok as the women were treated. Then, I let my fourteen year old daughter wear it for photo shots. Ironically the average age of the comfort women was fourteen.
Harmony
Harmony is constructed from my family’s denim clothing, which merges traditional Korean forms with Western style material. My intention is to harmonize the two cultures and bridge the gap. It shows harmony of my families, of different cultures, harmony with generations--of old and new, and harmony with you and me.