In Korea, shamans lead a traditional and spiritual practice known as Mudang. These ceremonies, called Gut, console the spirits of the deceased through ritualistic movements, sound, and dance.
However, the Gut is not only a rite for the dead but also a source of emotional healing for the living. I was deeply moved by the ritual's dual purpose: a gesture of comfort for both the departed and those left behind. Inspired by these symbolic movements, I created a woven totem using traditional textile techniques. The woven structure in this series features repeated patterns of entangling and unravelling, representing the gradual release of sorrow and pain shared between the living and the dead.
I was drawn to the Mudang’s garments' details and movements. The dance of a Mudang moves with the softness of flowing waves, only to turn quick and sharp like the wind itself. Their distinctive attire, crafted from traditional colours and translucent fabrics, amplifies the expressive quality of each movement.
Interpreting the gestures and garments of the Mudang, I translated their expressive movement into form. Using techniques such as macramé, knitting, and embroidery, I worked with various materials to echo the ritual's layered textures and rhythms. Each thread and knot captures a moment - a wave, a turn, a flicker of spirit - embodying presence and release.
Materials traditionally used in Gut rituals and the specialised fabrics found in Mudang garments were incorporated into the woven form, capturing their movement through textile. A large-scale piece, over two metres in height, was constructed using tapestry techniques. Its scale echoes the physical presence of ritual. The process of making, kneeling on the ground and weaving the totem by hand became a performative act in itself, a quiet Gut of its own.
