Los Angeles, California (Oct 25, 2023) – The signing of the Korean Armistice agreement in 1953 stopped active fighting in the Korean War but the peninsula has since been divided with almost no opportunity for people from each side to meet. The Drawing Hope art exhibit is born out of more than two decades of exchange between North and South Korean children. Featuring children’s self-portraits and self-introductions, the exhibit brings to life the hopes, dreams, and visions of the future from the youngest generations living on a divided Korean peninsula.
The exhibit will be on display at the Shatto Gallery (3130 Wilshire Blvd #104 Los Angeles) with an opening reception on November 4 from 3-6 PM.
According to Okedongmu Children in Korea, one of the organizations that created the exhibit, "Children from South Korea, North Korea and East Asia have encountered through drawing exchange and a youth exchange program for over 20 years. Sometimes they could not meet each other because of the political situation created by adults. Whatever the difficulty of the circumstances, they have been exchanging each other by drawing and workshop program for peaceful coexistence. I hope this story makes a profound impression about peace and hope for the next generation."
The exchange of drawings is a space for people of the Korean peninsula to meet each other, even if it’s only through the artwork of children - drawing out hope to reimagine a world free of division and violence. This exhibit is made possible through a partnership between Okedongmu Children in Korea, ReconciliAsian, and the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC).
“AFSC is excited to co-sponsor the Drawing Hope exhibition with ReconciliAsian and Okedongmu Children in Korea, said Jennifer Deibert, DPRK program director for AFSC. “Seeing the beautiful pieces of artwork created by the children encourages us that the work of peace will continue with the younger generations even amidst division. We hope many people can visit the gallery and be inspired by the beauty of the messages and artwork to work for a work where all children can thrive.”
The exhibit will be displayed in the greater Los Angeles area, which is home to the largest diasporic Korean population in the U.S. (approximately 1.9 million people). The organizers are seeing signs of healing and hope rising as Korean American leaders are organizing movements for peace locally and globally.
"We are honored and excited to hold this exhibit in Los Angeles where so many Korean Americans live. We hope many will come and see the hopeful messages of the children and be inspired to continue to advocate for a peaceful future," said Sue Park-Hur of ReconciliAsian.
What: Drawing Hope: Children’s Art for Peace on the Korean Peninsula
When: November 1-11, 2023 (Opening Reception: November 4, 3-6PM)
Where: Shatto Gallery | 3130 Wilshire Blvd #104 Los Angeles, Ca 90010
This event will be open to the public for viewing.
You can find more information about the exhibition here .
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The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) promotes a world free of violence, inequality, and oppression. Guided by the Quaker belief in the divine light within each person, we nurture the seeds of change and the respect for human life to fundamentally transform our societies and institutions. We work with people and partners worldwide, of all faiths and backgrounds, to meet urgent community needs, challenge injustice, and build peace.