Hak-Al (Crane Eggs)

Continuing to draw from her childhood experiences in Korea, Ms. Kim recreates the notion of gifting luck and well wishes using origami. The paper crane (hak) symbolizes happiness, good luck, and fidelity. Hak Al are crane eggs, and these origami pieces were frequently gifted in decorative containers to friends, famous people, and significant others. Furthermore, the gift became remarkably more valuable as the number of crane eggs increased as it correlated to the amount of time spent folding the hak al!

The main piece, Hak Al, is Ms. Kim’s hopeful view of life as a youngster with good wishes reaching high into the stars. The crane eggs appear to layer the surface of celestial objects and change color depending on the amount and angle of lighting.

The miniature piece, Overflowing, depicts what most people want - a life overflowing with hak al.

The miniature piece, Underflowing, depicts what most people think they have – a life lacking hak al. However, on closer inspection, crane eggs still layer the whole surface, including the scooped out portion!