Shapes and Songs of Resilience and Resistance

joomchi (felted and textured traditional Korean paper) using vintage hanji (traditional Korean paper) from a book of genealogical records, paper mulberry tree bark lattice, graphite

13 x 17.5 inches (unframed)
2024

This work explores the concepts of heritage, colonialism, and histories of Korea and Hawaii, two places that are important to me. The geometric shapes triangle, circle and square are associated with generation of energy, stability, serenity and solidity, which are important qualities to embody while manifesting resilience and resistance. The lyrics of Aloha ‘oe and Arirang, songs associated with resistance, are written on the bark lattice in Hawaiian and Korean respectively. In colonized places, singing songs in community using native languages support resilience and is a form of resistance. The felted layers of hanji through the joomchi process creates a strong durable flexible substrate.  This layered uncolored piece expresses my belief that a quiet strength through connection and community is often the power behind movements.