Money Box

The Money Box project is a contextual design project where the artist interprets contemporary socio-cultural phenomena through the medium of piggy banks, based on their experiences and observations.

This work encapsulates the transition in Korean society from the era of Confucian ideals during the Joseon Dynasty—emphasizing frugality and restraint—to the modern pursuit of luxury and individualism, now considered natural values. During the Joseon era, based on Confucianism, society extremley emphasized a frugal and restrained lifestyle, which is evident in the furniture produced at the time. Such furniture was simple and functional, and from a contemporary perspective, it could be interpreted as embodying mini- malist aesthetics.

However, during the mid-Joseon period, invasions by Japan and subsequent wars led to destruction and chaos necessary for national reconstruction, causing fluctuations in the social hierarchy and beginning the erosion of Confucian values. This shift led to the emergence of furniture with lavish decorations, a stark contrast to the previously restrained designs, and a flourishing of various hobbies and a culture of luxury.

Modern Korea has transformed into a society where dominant ideologies like Confucianism no longer prevail, and expressing one’s individuality has become crucial. This change has been facilitated by rapid development and the swift adoption of diverse cultures, placing more importance on external rather than internal values.

The artwork utilizes techniques and structures from Joseon-era furniture but paradoxically maximizes luxurious external decorations. It employs the concept of a moneybox, reversing its traditional function by creating a see-through version that reveals its contents. This piece can be interpreted as an attempt to facilitate a cultural dialogue between the past, present, and future.