Mike Han’s Painted Birkin Supports Breast Cancer Research

Artist Weekly Contributor

October 3, 2026

By: Josh Hart

Mike Han’s hand-painted Hermès Birkin transforms an icon of luxury into a vehicle for advancing breast cancer research. The Korean American artist has donated MONOCHROME: BIRKIN, a hand-painted 2016 Hermès Birkin 30, to be auctioned with no reserve, with all proceeds benefiting the Dynami Foundation and its work to accelerate research for invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC).

The work was first presented as part of Han’s one-night MONOCHROME exhibition during Detroit Month of Design, alongside a Porsche Boxster transformed into an art car and 88 unique CNC-carved plywood works. Together, the three works explored different forms of value, accessibility, personal meaning, and cultural and monetary value, and asked what an object can do beyond its conventional purpose or ownership.

For MONOCHROME: BIRKIN, Han transported the bag in his art car from Los Angeles to Detroit, where he completed the work by hand inside the exhibition space using metallic silver paint manufactured in Detroit by Alpha 6.

The decision to create the work in Detroit was deeply personal. Han’s family arrived in Detroit in the early 1970s after his grandparents emigrated from Korea in search of better access to breast cancer treatment. His grandfather made the decision to move the family from Korea after doctors warned that, if his wife’s breast cancer returned, adequate treatment would not be available to her there at the time.

Years later, when Han was in middle school, his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer while the family was living in Southwest Michigan, where she received treatment and survived. The family moved again, completing a full circle as Mike attended Plymouth Canton High School, which shares a campus with Plymouth Salem, where his mother attended years before.

While living in Plymouth, Mike’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time and beat it again. Today, because of advances in research, treatment, and technology, Han’s mother is living a happy and healthy life after surviving breast cancer twice.

Mike’s family history with breast cancer has inspired his ongoing support of the Dynami Foundation, where he has auctioned original artwork and a hand-painted Prada handbag. To date, Han’s artwork has raised more than $65,000 for Dynami through Uncork for a Cure and Uncork Up North.

While the central idea behind MONOCHROME was how a spectrum of value could extend beyond usefulness and ownership, the exhibition asked guests to take a closer look at value hidden in unsuspecting objects.

Guests were invited to assess and determine the value of MONOCHROME: PLYWOOD, where collectors raised $11,091 for Do Good Work to support and establish economically sustainable creative careers through new ownership models of studio space in exchange for original art.

At first glance, MONOCHROME: BIRKIN seems out of place in that its value isn’t underappreciated like plywood or a base Porsche Boxster, but its purpose shares a similar lack of visibility.

“There may not be a person on the planet who thinks of the Birkin as an underdog,” says Han. “But with MONOCHROME: BIRKIN, its purpose absolutely is.”

Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is the second most common subtype of breast cancer, yet it remains significantly underfunded and understudied. Dynami, the Greek word for strength, exists to change that.

MONOCHROME: BIRKIN redirects cultural and monetary value toward ILC research and visibility, creating value for both the collector and the cause.

The Auction

MONOCHROME: BIRKIN will be auctioned through Charitybuzz, with all proceeds benefiting the Dynami Foundation.

The auction opens October 2 at Uncork Up North at the exclusive Hagerty Garage in Traverse City, Michigan, where guests will have the opportunity to see MONOCHROME: BIRKIN in person and place opening bids.

Bidding will continue online through Charitybuzz and close at 10:00 p.m. on October 16, during Dynami Foundation’s Uncork for a Cure at M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan. The Birkin will be on view at the event, with the winning bid announced before the evening concludes.

About Dynami Foundation

The Dynami Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to changing the future of invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), the second most common subtype of breast cancer and one that remains significantly underfunded and understudied.

Founded by breast cancer survivor Flora Migyanka, Dynami has grown from a grassroots effort in Detroit into a national force for ILC research and advocacy. The Foundation funds innovative research, brings together leading scientists and institutions, supports patients and families, and builds strategic collaborations designed to accelerate progress in the understanding, detection, and treatment of ILC.

To date, Dynami has raised more than $3 million and funded more than 20 ILC research projects, investing in work that can move the field forward.

Most recently, Dynami provided the seed funding to launch the Lobular American Research Consortium (LARC), a multi-institutional, led research collaboration bringing together leading ILC researchers and institutions to accelerate discoveries and advance the understanding and treatment of lobular breast cancer.

Every dollar raised through the MONOCHROME: BIRKIN auction will support Dynami Foundation’s work to advance ILC research and help create better answers and better outcomes for patients living with this disease.

Learn more about the Dynami Foundation.

Sponsorships and tickets are available for Uncork for a Cure and Uncork Up North.

About Mike Han

Mike Han is a Korean American artist working between studios in Santa Monica and Detroit. He has exhibited in Seoul, Miami, Los Angeles, and Detroit, and has completed commissions in New York, Osaka, Florence, and Chicago for public and private clients.

Han is collected by the Board Chair of the Detroit Institute of Arts and the President and CEO of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Has been commissioned by Bloomingdale’s for its 150th Anniversary windows, by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to live-paint murals at Pitti Uomo, and by COSM for a 100+ foot mural in Detroit.

His work is held in the permanent collections of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, Henry Ford Health Systems, Huntington Bank, and the Somerset Collection. Han has collaborated with Detroit Pistons, Eleven Madison Home, Shinola, Carhartt, and SEE Eyewear.

Han’s practice explores dynamic balance and the beauty of everyday life, translating his belief that a life lived well is one lived in service of others. Since 2020, he has helped raise more than $360,000 for nonprofit organizations through his artwork.

thehouseofhan.com

IG: @mikehan.art