Artist Ujin Lee has been wrapping gifts for weeks...and they are for all of us!
"Bojagi: Empty is not empty. Full is not full." was conceived by Lee to share "one small and graceful thing we can do to save the planet...to introduce the traditional Korean philosophy of living in harmony with nature." The presentation takes place in Washington Square Park beginning at 10 AM on Friday, June 11th.
First, as a performance, Lee will stack and place 777 boxes brightly wrapped with traditional Korean wrapping cloth, or bojagi, made of satin, in front of the Park's renowned a Arch at the terminus of 5th Avenue.
Ujin in her Chelsea studio
"Bojagi has been used for wrapping and carrying goods in Korea from time immemorial," says Lee. "Traditionally, people believed that the careful wrapping of objects not only showed respect but also brought good fortune and luck. Most importantly, this traditional wrap is not only practical, but also a sustainable and eco-friendly article due to its nearly endless reusability."
The completed installation will remain in place for visitors to view and walk through until 2 PM, then, all are invited choose a box to take home and re-use to carry on the tradition. The project closes when the last box is carried off.
The project will be video-documented and available for viewing at www.ujinleeart.com.
UJIN LEE
BOJAGI: EMPTY IS NOT EMPTY. FULL IS NOT FULL.
FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2010
PERFORMANCE I 10 am – 12 pm
INSTALLATION VIEWING I 12 pm – 2 pm
PUBLIC PARTICIPATORY EVENT I 2 pm – Evening
WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK
Arch Plaza
Fifth Avenue at Waverly Place
This project is made possible in part with public funds from the Manhattan Community Arts Fund, supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and administered by Lower Manhattan Cultural Council.
