Dong Kyu Kim is an artist and fashion designer whose mixed media works are constructed of paper receipts and tickets collected over the past 10 years and sewn by hand. His work is inspired by 'Jogakbo', the traditional Korean craft of patching together scraps of fabric.
His work asks questions about the impact of American capitalism on one’s values, and what motivates a person to want more and more. It is an examination of the roots of our desires, and how we determine value.

Kim has exhibited in museums and galleries throughout the United States and in Korea. Born and raised in South Korea, Kim received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Fashion Design and has worked for nearly 20 years as a fashion designer in Korea, China, Mexico, and the United States.

"My artistic practice unifies my life and art through the repetitive and meditative act of stitching the small papers together. The receipts I collect record the passing of time and supply both memories and facts of my life. They are also examples of American capitalism, wealth, aspirations, and cultural values. Though they are isolated and insignificant fragments of the past that seem impersonal at first, each transaction represented by a receipt is a defining moment along the journey that formed the essence of who I am today. The process of giving weight to the empty, meaning to the meaningless, is the validation of one's existence."

- Dong Kyu Kim, 2020

You may have wondered about the small, colorful bag you see in museums that are carried by ladies wearing Hanbok, a traditional Korean garment. The bags are called Bokjumeoni(복주머니), translated as lucky pouch.

Hanbok is a colorful and elegant type of Korean formal clothing worn for special occasions. It is beautiful but lacks pockets, which led to the creation of Bokjumeoni, a drawstring pouch. Bokjumeoni is made of the same material and colors as Hanbok, and they are believed to bring the holder good fortune. Today, Bokjumeoni is often used as a bag for small presents given to friends and loved ones.

In this workshop, Dong Kyu will teach participants how to make their own Bokjumeoni. All the necessary materials, including colorful fabric pre-cut in the shape of the pouch will be provided. Participants will learn about the history of the Bokjumeoni and its use in Korea from the past until the present day. They will sew the pieces of fabric together to create a small drawstring pouch. No experience is necessary, although participants should be comfortable handling a needle and thread. The minimum age of participants is 10 years old, and the workshop is open to children and adults.