By Honorary Reporter Choi King Chiu from Hong Kong
Photos = Choi King Chiu 

The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in Hong Kong through March 16 is hosting the exhibition "Jogakbo, Korean Traditional Patchwork" featuring works by artists from the Ssamzisarang Korean Boudoir Craft Academy. 

Jogakbo is the Korean art of patchwork that began as a means to reuse leftover fabric from clothing and household items to make textiles for daily use, wedding gifts or household decorations. 

Visiting the exhibition on Feb. 15, I was captivated by the visually appealing works by artists and their unique interpretations of combining fabrics of a range of sizes, shapes and colors. Seeing how they transformed disparate elements into cohesive artworks was fascinating.

Most works at the exhibition feature diverse abstract patterns each with distinct designs. Ha Jae-koo's "19th Summer" presents a regular symmetrical pattern using trapezium-shaped fabric pieces, departing from conventional shapes like squares and rectangles.

Pieces of fabric intertwined flawlessly evoke balance and harmony. Cho Hee-sook's "Maze" offers a contrast with an irregular pattern of such pieces arranged in diverse directions, adding a dynamic and intriguing quality.

The exhibition showcases art integrating miniature jogakbo pieces. Kim Ji-yeon's "Memory" has 16 squares with abstract patterns closely together, creating a compact design. Conversely, such pieces in Yedami Artist Group’s "Put Your Heart Together" are arranged more spaciously, introducing white spaces for openness.

Works highlighting symbols of Korean culture include Kim Yun-hee's "Taegeuk," which features the red-and-blue Taegeuk symbol, while Kim Young-joo's "Korea" incorporates Hangeul characters to display Korea's rich cultural heritage.

Among the diverse range of artworks, one piece that struck me was Shin Se-hee's "Flower Road," which has 63 diamond star patterns intricately embroidered with traditional motifs. Displaying Shin's skill and keen attention to detail, the piece is also buoyed by its vibrant colors that enhance its visual appeal.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.