Boxes of Tangerines
Christy Hyonsuk (현숙)
In the 1990s each summer, 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 sea salt and tangerines, the sparkle of the ocean, and the laughter of family. Surrounded by her mother, grandmother, and aunts, she saw the quiet strength and warmth of Jeju women working together with joy and care.
When summer ended and she returned north, her grandmother, Yi Gisul (이기술), sent love across the sea in boxes of fresh fish and golden tangerines — each one a sweet, glowing “I love you.” After her grandmother’s passing in 2020, Christy longed for those simple gifts of love. From that feeling, her Boxes of Tangerines collection was born — a bright celebration of memory, family, and connection.
Boxes of Tangerines
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Boxes of Tangerines 🍊
“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
RISE ABOVE VIOLENCE
October 2025
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 and their families.
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.
