kimchi apron
Kimchi is Korea's staple food. Making my own kimchi has become a way for me to reclaim my Korean heritage. It is a laborious and long process, especially if done by oneself. I realized the similarities in the processes of fabric dying and kimchi making, so I decided to make a garment that combines them. I sewed a canvas apron, spread the kimchi paste (a combination of rice flour porridge, red pepper flakes, and vegetables) all over the apron, then let it "ferment" overnight. The result was an orange-tinged and slightly smelly apron.
I screen printed illustrations of the ingredients used in baechu kimchi, or cabbage kimchi, with the Korean words for each.