Boxes of Tangerines
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Boxes of Tangerines 🍊
Boxes of Tangerines
Christy Hyonsuk (현숙)
Summers 1990s, Jeju Island.
Christy Hyonsuk visited her grandparents on Jeju Island — the volcanic paradise known as the “Hawaii of Korea.” Those sunny days filled her world with the scent of delicious tangerines, the sparkle of the ocean, and the laughter of family. Surrounded by her mother, grandmother, and aunts, Christy Hyonsuk saw the strength and warmth of Jeju women working together with joy and care.
When summer ended, Christy Hyonsuk returned to the North Korean border. Her Jeju grandmother would send boxes of fresh Jeju tangerines. Each tangerine was a hand picked with sweet glowing “I love you” and reminder of island life. After her grandmother’s passing in 2020, Christy Hyonsuk longed for those simple gifts of love. Boxes of Tangerines collection is inspired by the many boxes Yi Gisul (이기술) sent.
“My Grandmother sent boxes of the very best hand pick tangerines from the Jeju island. Each tangerine was another sweet ‘I love you’ in citrus form.”
Boxes of Tangerines Collection is painted on textured handmade deckle edge paper made from 100% Egyptian cotton placed in a glass floating frame.
Paper Size: 11 x 8 inches
Frame Size: 11.61 × 14.56 inch
2025 RISE ABOVE VIOLENCE
October 2025 - Christy Hyonsuk
I recently had the honor of attending Womankind’s 2025 Communities Rising Gala, a celebration of its 30th anniversary. Held at Tribeca 360 NYC in lower Manhattan, the event raised $466,000 from gathering hundreds of supporters, advocates, and community leaders that are dedicated to creating safety, healing, and hope for survivors of gender-based violence.
Womankind has spent 30 years providing culturally responsive, multilingual, trauma-informed services for communities across New York City. Hearing the stories shared onstage, reminded me how essential and life-changing WomanKind’s work truly is.
This gala was also a personal milestone for me: it was the first time one of my paintings was included in a live auction package with tickets to see the Broadway show, ‘Maybe Happy Ending” and New York Public Theater’s upcoming 2026 productions of ‘Jesa’, which both has scenes of Jeju Island - my mother’s homeland.
Donating my artwork to support Womankind’s mission felt meaningful. Art has always been my way of expressing emotion and connection, and knowing that my piece helped raise funds for children and families in need filled me with gratitude.
I left the event inspired, humbled, and proud to stand with Womankind — an organization committed to protecting, empowering, and honoring the diverse communities of New York City.
Thank you WomanKind for providing a wonderful event and continue services.
Read more Womankind’s 2025 Gala Marks 30 Years of Serving NYC’s Children and Youth.
Photos by Lucas Huang. IG @lucashuang_photography
2026 dementia Awareness
August 2026 - Christy Hyonsuk
I’ve donated three paintings from my Boxes of Tangerines collection to Gramma has Dementia, a 501(3)c in New Jersey. It is Gramma has Dementia’s mission to bring awareness to Dementia and Alzheimer's and raise money for the Women's Alzheimer's Movement, Cleveland Clinic.
The event was held on a lovely summer evening at the The Captain's Inn in Forked River, NJ. It was wonderful seeing my artwork by the sea and exciting to them being auctioned. I am very happy that my Boxes of Tangerines are going to a good home.
Learn more about > Gramma Has Dementia
Women make up two-thirds of those living with Alzheimer’s disease. WAM at Cleveland Clinic will continue to fund women-based Alzheimer’s research and educate people about brain health and Alzheimer’s prevention.
Learn more about > Women’s Alzheimer's Movement
My grandmother, 이기술 (Yi Gisul), would be proud that I have donated efforts towards a good cause and organizations. I believe in sharing knowledge and education about dementia will enrich the lives of the people with this disease as well as enriching the lives of their families and home caregivers.
I painted Boxes of Tangerines to remind me of my Jeju halmoni (grandmother). Every year, she would hand pick and send boxes of tangerines. Towards the end of her life, she started to loose her memory. However, that did not stop her from enjoying life. My aunt took care of my halmoni and got her out of the house everyday to go to adult care. There, halmoni socialized, played games, and made her own artworks!
치매 dementia
Dallas ⭐
Dallas ⭐
Contact
Loving Memories
Boxes of Tangerines Collection Picture Book
Inspired by the many boxes of tangerines from Jeju Grandma
Spread the words of kindness. A warm, little board book that invites you into a bright, sweet citrus-scented world of positivity. Soft watercolor illustrations of tangerines and leaves float across thick, matte pages made to withstand even the very curious toddlers. Gentle rounded corners and durable chipboard pages make turning each spread easy and safe, while the compact square shape fits into car seats, diaper bags, and cozy laps. Use it to remember the strength of love and joy. Boxes of Tangerines collection by Christy Hyonsuk is homey, handmade feeling that brings a calm, sunlit moment to everyday routines and quiet story sessions.
Product features - Ultra-durable 1/16” white chipboard pages built to last
- Matte lamination reduces glare and resists fingerprints
- Rounded corners for safe handling by toddlers
- Compact 20-page format for short attention spans
9 of 21 Boxes of Tangerines Metal Print
All custom metal signs include one mounting block, metal plate, and double-sided tape for hanging
Material: White aluminum composite
Matte finish
Available in horizontal, vertical and square options
These custom metal signs come in eleven sizes to choose from
Please note: customer assembly is required. For indoor use only
Τhese custom metal signs create unique decoration pieces that can be hung anywhere in your home. Made with 3mm white aluminum composite, these custom metal signs come with a beautiful white matte finish. Each sign comes with one mounting block for effortless hanging.
Use non-abrasive, non-ammonium based products for cleaning. Dish soap with warm water is only recommended for spot cleaning.