Uncertain Times IV
6x18”Mixed media
2022
Division of Korea – 1945-1948
LEFT
By the end of WWII, Japan gave up its occupied territories including Korea, but the Cold War (1947-1991) had large influence with the countries that wanted trusteeship over Korea. The unresolving differences in power control led to the division between the North and South. By May 1946, the 38th parallel was the official boundary and was made illegal to anyone that crossed without a permit.
RIGHT
The figures in the painting feature families from North and South Korea in one of the very few gatherings that were made in cooperation with the North and South Korean government. Not everyone had a chance to go to the gatherings as the chosen ones were made randomly, and the families had a short window of time to spend time with them in a span of three days. Families that haven’t seen each other for decades embraced each other as its most likely their last moments together. The experience is scarce, heartbreaking, and unforgettable. The aftereffects of the meetings are just as painful mentally as most undergo depression.
