Seoul, South Korea–Bodacious Bogaji Exhibition

Bogaji is the name of the traditional Korean wrapping cloth, also known as pojagi (보자기). It became popular during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) but has changed over the years. The cloth itself holds a variety of uses, ranging from everyday domestic use as tablecloths, covering food and bedding, and wrapping precious objects even within a religious context. One of our tour organizers, Youngmin Lee, is an expert on Bogaji. Naturally, she found a magnificent exhibit at a gallery with the interesting name of Paradise Zip. The exhibit was the body of work created by a renowned Bogaji artist. Unfortunately, I’m unable to provide her name as all of the information was in Korean with no translation–not even her name. The variety of ways she interpreted Bogaji was amazing.

Bogaji with a traditional patchwork look.

A number of pieces were framed in white or cream.

Pattern created through stripped squares.

Many of the Bogaji works feature “liberated” piecing much as we see in quilts.

The colors and values of the Bogaji below are well-placed for visual interest and movement.

Wonderful multi-colored pieced blocks.

 

I really liked the monochromatic pieces. You might think they wouldn’t be interesting, but I found them quite visually effective. These first pieces have the tie to wrap the cloth around an object.

I loved the way some of the pieces created shadows which, for me, added to the presentation and mood of the work.

The artist played with shape creating Bogaji in long vertical strips.

Very interesting strip arrangement with irregular lower edge.

And Bogaji in horizontal presentations.

The presentation below really caught my eye with the monochromatic cream mounted loosely on the brick wall.

I loved the color scheme of this Bogaji. It’s the same as my kitchen!

I think the complementary color scheme is very effective in the piece below.

The change in scale of the patches is effective in this Bogaji.

Another piece I really admire for the neutral colors and irregular edges.

Another great piece with an irregular edge treatment.

One of my two favorite presentations: a grouping of miniature Bogaji mounted around one inch from the wall.

And this is my other favorite pieces and presentation. Hung in front of a window, the Bogaji looks ethereal.