Uncertain Times V
6x18”Mixed media
2022
Jeju Uprising/Massacre – 1948-1949
LEFT
Right before the Korean War, military forces from each side engaged in a series of bloody conflicts along the border. One of them, which later became known for its extreme violence, was the Jeju Uprising where over 10,000 people were killed. At that time, protestors and rebels were active in seeking independence against the United States and the Communist Party. To suppress the protests, the national Communist forces went to Jeju Island and went in search for the activists. Innocent lives were lost as well because the government would suspect Jeju residents.
RIGHT
The figure in the painting, Kim Sung Oh, was a resident in Jeju Island before the Jeju Uprising and now works as a fine artist who paints lovely landscapes of the island. His work reflects the beauty and nature of the land as well as advocating peace like nature. Kim’s work mainly portrays his hometown before the Jeju Uprising destroyed many of the oreums (deflated volcano) in his paintings. He currently lives with his father in the island as most of Kim’s references come from his front yard.
