Dukjoo Choi

Handwoven landscapes

• Geometry is at the heart of all of Dukjoo's work
• She is interested in the intersection of architecture and crafts
• Her work is a process of perfection

Dukjoo Choi studied art at Sookmyung Women’s University, and learned Jogakbo work from Hyunhee Kim. In her practice, she builds on traditional Korean craftsmanship, by producing formative beauty through rich colours, natural dyeing and geometrical composition. In order to preserve the emotion and style that is quintessentially Korean, she consciously distanced herself from materials formed in the industrialised world and today dedicates substantial proportions of her time and energy to developing natural fabrics and dyes. Dukjoo has participated in various group exhibitions and has held solo exhibitions in Vienna, Budapest, Zlin, Madrid, Brussels and Seoul. Her works are collected by many institutions and individuals around the world.

Interview

©Texture on Texture

©Texture on Texture

What is your motive in creating Jogakbo?

I grew up watching my grandmother sew and make clothes. The way she sewed and the work she completed was amazing. It was a pleasure to observe her sewing tools, embroideries and clothes. I started sewing in my mid-40s when my children had grown up.

Do you find enjoyment while working?

The work is not easy. To create colours, I have to dye in alignment with the season and sketch as I am inspired. Unexpectedly, natural dyeing creates mysterious colour that is stunning. No matter how small it is, it gives the sense of the universe and the world.

What is the meaning of your Jogakbo art?

Jogakbo is a Korean traditional boudoir handicraft where lives of olden women are written. I want my Jogakbo to represent distinctive traditional aesthetic value transformed into modern design. The slow process is the endless self-pruning process.

What do you hope to express in your work?

I want my works to look frugal but not shabby, fancy but not overly extravagant. This aesthetic philosophy of Korea is represented in Samguk sagi – the history of the three kingdoms – which I always try to follow. It provides a peace which I hope people find in my works.

Dukjoo Choi is an expert artisan she began her career in 2000

Works

©Jandee Kim

©Dukjoo Choi

©Texture on Texture

©Dukjoo Choi

©Dukjoo Choi

Where