Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and Endstate Collaborate on New Apparel Collection

Here at The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, we have partnered with Boston-based apparel company Endstate on a product line to celebrate our upcoming exhibition Hallyu: The Korean Wave, opening this spring. Get ready for February 28th, this collaboration is paving a unique future for the MFA utilizing a Boston based company with designs inspired by our renowned collection of Korean art. The apparel will be offered in the MFA Store and sneakers on the EndState site with a special twist incorporated into the clothing.

About Endstate

Endstate creates designer, tech-enabled apparel and sneakers. They embeds NFC chips into products revolutionizing the product ownership experience by instant authentication, and unlocking access to exclusive events and content. Founded in 2021 by tech and cultural visionaries Bennett Collen and Stephanie Howard, Endstate is a Boston-based enterprise. Bennett is the former Founder and CEO of Cognate and is considered one of the blockchain industry’s foremost authorities on connecting real-world assets to the blockchain while Stephanie is an accomplished creative director with an iconic legacy at Nike, New Balance, and Reebok. Endstate continues to disrupt fashion industry standards by integrating blockchain technology and pushes the boundaries of today’s physical products and branded experiences. 

Product Details: Connecting Art with Apparel

The apparel collaboration will feature designs from within the ancient Hallyu exhibition that link modern elements with rich Korean history printed on unisex streetwear.The collaboration includes one sneaker design, two T-shirts, and two sweatshirts that were inspired by six objects from the MFA’s collection—one contemporary work and five historical works from the Joseon Dynasty, the last dynastic kingdom of Korea that lasted over 500 years: These Items include an NFT chip that awards free entry into the museum late nights, after hours events and entrance into the Hallyu Exhibition. Bringing the Hallyu, Korean Wave exhibition to life with NFC-chipped apparel is just one of the many ways the MFA is pioneering the future of connection between art and its admirers.

All products are 100% cotton and true to size

Happy Buddha Tee, Happy Buddha, 2008, Kang Ik-Joong (Korean)

Direct quote from Kang Ik-Joong, “I developed the 3 x 3-inch format during my days as an art student at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn... Looking for ways to effectively utilize time spent on long subway rides, I discovered that 3-inch square canvases fit easily into my pocket and into the palm of my hand. My lengthy commute became transformed into work time in a mobile studio”

The Endstate x MFA Happy Buddha Tee is inspired by Korean artist Kong Ik-Joong’s 2008 work titled ‘Happy Buddha’. The artwork’s graphic rows are separated to represent the space between past and present Korean artwork.

Celedon Hoodie Front, Falcon on a Perch, 16th century, attributed to Yi Am (Korean, 1499–after 1546), Joseon dynasty

Back, Landscape, 15th century, Korean, Joseon dynasty

The Endstate x MFA Celadon Hoodie is inspired by two works of Korean art, one titled ‘Landscape’ from the Joseon period, 15th century, and the other titled ‘Falcon on a Perch’ from the Joseon period, 16th century. The graphic layout is a modern interpretation of traditional Korean ink paintings.

Black Ink Hoodie Front, Rock, Pine, and Bamboo, late 19th–early 20th century, Kim Yeong (Korean, born in 1837), Joseon dynasty

Back, Rock, Pine, and Bamboo, late 19th–early 20th century, Kim Yeong (Korean, born in 1837), Joseon dynasty

The Endstate x MFA Black Ink Hoodie is inspired by ink artwork produced on paper titled ‘Flowers, Birds, Rocks, and Fish’ from the Joseon period, 19th century. The graphic layout is a modern interpretation of traditional Korean ink paintings.

Joseon Tee and Pharus Sneakers, Screen decorated with the eight Confucian virtues, Munjado, late 19th century, Korean, Joseon dynasty

The Endstate x MFA Joseon Tee is inspired by munjado screens from the Joseon period, 19th century, which served as reminders of Confucian virtues.

The Endstate x MFA Pharus sneakers are a contemporary, handcrafted sneaker made in Portugal, boasting luxurious leathers and embellishments. The prints on the sneaker are inspired by munjado screens from the Joseon period, 19th century, which served as reminders of Confucian virtues. The cracked white leather resembles the texture from the screens of the artwork.

How to Redeem

Purchase products at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston store or online at endstate.io. Access: Verify authenticity by scanning the NFC chip under the Endstate label with your iOS or Android device. Follow the instructions to claim your certificate of authenticity. This is your ticket to exclusive experiences, including access to MFA Late Nites. Connect: The NFC chip in your product serves as your ticket to exclusive perks and activations with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Product Perks

Sneakers: VIP and early entrance to two MFA Late Nites events (March 22 and May 10) celebrating Hallyu! 

Private tour with Hallyu! exhibition curator Christina Yu Yu, Matsutaro Shoriki Chair, Art of Asia. 

Access to see MFA works that are not currently on public view. Special exclusive content including an artist video and curator conversation. 

Apparel: VIP entrance to two MFA Late Nites events (March 22 and May 10) celebrating Hallyu!. 

Special exclusive content including an artist video and curator conversation. 

Chance to win two tickets to the Korean Film Festival (May 16 - June 13) at the MFA.