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THE DREAMER
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THE DEFECTOR
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#1 titled the Battlefield exhibits two fortresses separated by a wall of projectiles that have been cast at the other. This drawing references the endless barrage of propaganda and messaging aimed at degrading those on the other side while bolstering their own. Through the accumulation of such hostilities, neither nation is as much aware or conscious of the other. Additionally, the drawing alludes to Seokjeon (Stone Battle) which is an ancient Korean game, wherein teams gather in two lines and strike each other with stones and was greatly used as a form of military training.
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#2 titled The Monument shows a space composed of several loose stone blocks that are stacked upon one another. This drawing references the multiple monuments of rulers, governments and religions seen throughout both nations. Additionally, connections are made to the collapsible stone monoliths that line the road leading to the DMZ. These monoliths are decorative pieces but also have the capability of falling onto the road below, blocking any military movement across.
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#3 titled The Homeland shows two forms, each with a void, and a singular piece which is able to complete only one form at a time. The movement of the piece from one to the other always leaves a void, referencing the difficulty of adjusting from one culture to another. Like those who defect from the north, it is extremely challenging to adopt the vastly different social and governmental standards of the south, resulting in a loss of belonging in either nation.
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#4 titled The Cell shows the interior of a prison chamber that is trying to be broken out of. This drawing references the detaining of North Korean citizens by government officials as punishment for defecting or going against the strict laws set in place. Imprisonment is both physical and mental, as a punishment for free thinking. Media also holds citizens hostage, forcing a specific way of viewing the world. This is seen in both nations as neither looks intently at the other in a reconciliatory manner. But still there are those who work to maintain the relationship across, working to keep the shared history between.
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#5 titled The Bridge shows two structures that each have a drawbridge which can be lowered to form a connection across or raised to create a separation between the two. This drawing references the ability of both nations to restore an understanding of the other yet there remains a prevailing disregard. Additionally, The Bridge of No Return is a connecting point between North and South Korea near Panmunjom where prisoners used to be transferred across, back to their native countries. The bridge is no longer in use today but continues to stand, heavily guarded on either side.
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