North Korean artist pursues her dream

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

Opinion

Wed, November 29, 2023 | 16:48

North Korean artist pursues her dream

Posted : 2022-05-07 16:10

Updated : 2022-05-11 14:31

Ahn Su-min / Courtesy of Ahn Su-min

By Ahn Su-min

I was destined to be an artist. My father was an artist in North Korea and when I was there, I became interested in art from a young age. I was 14 years old when I started learning painting in earnest. Although our family was not well-off, I was able to draw at the art academy (Student Youth Center) in North Korea for several years because of my mother's passion and support, pouring all her love into me. I had many good memories with other students at the art academy in North Korea.

I studied in a North Korean high school until I escaped in 2011 at the age of 17. In South Korea, I experienced a new world of art that was different from the art of North Korea. It was unfamiliar at first, but now I'm used to modern art. There are various techniques in modern art, but I still like painting first. I think it's because I can feel the memories and nostalgia of my hometown when I paint.

It hasn't been easy, but I have kept my dream of being an artist alive. Experiencing new Korean culture and following difficult studies were hard because, at the time, I was going through puberty and at the same time going through an identity crisis; such things made it difficult for me.

After school, I went to an art academy to draw pictures from 5 p.m. until late at night, making it physically challenging as well. The paintings at that time were my everything. I graduated from college last year and held an online graduation exhibition in 2021. It was a great moment for me when I welcomed friends and others to my exhibition.

I was recently invited to draw for the Resolution Project. It was a reminder for me that I have many more things to do, such as learning to speak English. I have had many opportunities to discuss my artwork, but I need an interpreter. I would like to be able to talk with people directly. I hope that my art can help contribute to increased understanding between South and North Koreans, and people around the world. I am now studying English at Freedom Speakers International because I would like to talk with people around the world about art.

I have met some people who wanted to hear about art in North Korea. I was surprised to learn that they thought there were only propaganda posters when it comes to art in North Korea. But that is not correct. There are many paintings in North Korea that express everyday life. Of course, the North Korean regime highlights propaganda and you must be careful about art that directly challenges the regime. But there was also a lot of art that had nothing to do with the regime.

I love drawing. Every day I draw, I am enjoying the experience and challenge of following in my father's footsteps in becoming an artist.

Casey Lartigue Jr., co-founder of Freedom Speakers International, edited this text for publication. Lee Eun-koo, co-founder of FSI, translated Sumin's remarks from Korean to English.

CJL@alumni.harvard.edu