Coffee and Conversations: 'Bojagi, Stitches, and Happiness with Youngmin Lee'

In this talk, Youngmin delves into the rich tradition and history of bojagi, Korean wrapping cloths, and the enduring practice of creating them. In Korean culture, bojagi are believed to wrap not only objects but also bok—good fortune or happiness.

Youngmin will share her personal creative journey and pursuit of happiness, which have connected her to a broader creative community. Through her work, she will discuss how she inspires and educates, helping to ensure that the art of bojagi continues to thrive for future generations.

Youngmin Lee is a textile artist specializing in the traditional Korean art of bojagi. Since relocating from South Korea to California in 1996, she has dedicated herself to preserving and innovating within this tradition, which emphasizes sustainability through recycling and upcycling fabric remnants.

In 2024, Youngmin published "Bojagi: The Art of Korean Textiles," a book that delves into the beauty and history of bojagi. She also founded the Korean Textile Tour in 2017, creating a platform to introduce a broader audience to Korean traditional textile arts and culture.

Copies of "Bojagi: The Art of Korean Textiles" are available for sale in Shop Mingei, and a book signing will take place directly after the talk.

This program is presented in conjunction with the exhibition "Blue Gold: The Art and Science of Indigo."

Youngmin Lee on Instagram

Mingei International Museum on Facebook / Instagram