Manhwa exhibition raises awareness about feminism

A selection of comic book illustrations by female artists whose pieces will be on show at The Korea Manhwa Museum. A selection of illustrations created by a total of 13 female comic artists will be shown to raise awareness about feminism. Courtesy of Korea Manhwa Museum

By Anna J. Park

Feminism has emerged as a key word in Korean society in recent years since the #MeToo campaign brought down several renowned figures in cultural circles. The movement has been going from strength to strength and feminist novel “Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982” has sold over a million copies. Public discussions about feminism and gender equality are more prominent than ever before. Many comic books and webcomics ― comics published through a major internet portal sites ― have since taken on feminism as a topic.

Out of the 20 comics that received awards from the Korea Manhwa Contents Agency from 2016 to 2019, the half of the comics were about female characters and created by female comic artists; their topics range from gender discrimination to sexual violence and societal pressure.

Against this backdrop, the Korea Manhwa Museum's special exhibition on female comic works hopes to raise awareness about feminism among the public, especially young visitors to the site. The exhibition displays 13 comics by female artists, which deals with various sides of women's candid situations and concerns in their daily lives. It aims to shed light on some of unjust perspectives still prevalent in a male-oriented society; yet the exhibition also hopes to dispel any misunderstandings among the youth that feminism is not about hate about males or female supremacy, but it's about mutual respect each gender's dignity.

The exhibition consists of three parts, each showcasing illustrations from comics that focus on female characters and were created by female artists. The exhibition continues until next April 26 at the Korea Manhwa Museum, located in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province. Courtesy of Korea Manhwa Museum

Part 1 of the exhibition showcases illustrations from three comics, each dealing with female characters who learn to find their own happiness and identity, as they break away from male-centered perspectives and their previous main concerns with appearances and outward beauty.

Part 2 of the exhibition displays work from six comics that focus on the struggles of female protagonists as they lead ordinary daily lives in their homes or at workplaces. The comics show subtle instances of gender discrimination and unjust practices in their mundane lives, and how these leading female characters are coping with these limitations, while trying to find themselves.

The final part of the exhibition shows work from four comics that deal with daily violence against women at home or even at church. The comics point out such acts of violence are done habitually without any consciousness by the male characters.

The exhibition continues until April 26 2020 at the Korea Manhwa Museum, located in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province. Courtesy of Korea Manhwa Museum

The exhibition will continue until April 26, next year and the opening ceremony for the exhibition will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 29 at the Webtoon Campus in the Manhwa Museum, located in Bucheon. A special seminar on various feminist topics raised in the comics will also run for three hours at the site from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the same day of the opening ceremony. Comic critics, researchers and comic artists will join the event.