Synergy by Melissa Lee and Eugene Chung

Look up from the streets of the city centre and spot the vibrant artworks of Asian-Australian artists on street banners to celebrate the Year of the Horse.

This banner series weaves the Korean jogakbo patchwork tradition into a vibrant Australian setting. As Korean-Australians, artists Melissa Lee and Eugene Chung were inspired by jogakbo’s origins, in which humble scraps transformed into bojagi cloths, as it speaks to the resilience and resourcefulness of women and the beauty of making something whole from fragments.

The horse, a symbol of freedom, vitality and perseverance, felt especially resonant. In the artwork, 3 horses embody community, movement and shared strength.

The layered geometric pieces of jogakbo represent individuals, each distinct in shape and colour, yet part of a larger, harmonious whole. The banners carry this spirit of unity, revealing how difference can create connection and collective beauty.

By blending traditional textile aesthetics with contemporary digital design, the artists hope these works honour their Korean heritage while embracing the diverse energy of Sydney’s Lunar Festival, offering a symbolic wrapping of good luck, joy and togetherness for the year ahead.

About the artists

Melissa Lee is a creative director and executive producer whose work spans documentary film, cultural events, immersive art and advertising, enriched by lived experiences across continents and cultures.

Eugene Chung, a Sydney-based Illustrator and 2D animator, blends traditional materials with digital techniques to craft tactile, expressive works rooted in classic hand-drawn animation.