Date Work Completed: 2013
Medium: acrylic on canvas
Size: 48 x 60 x 1.5 inches
Description:
North Koreans call their nation “Joseon” but they do not directly relate themselves or acknowledge the history of Joseon Dynasty. The two boys in the painting is of Kim Il Soon’s character son Kim Siun, the doubling of his appearance signifies the twin effect, a country split into two.
Kim Il Soon appeared publicly for the first time during the Pulse Art Fair in New York in 2013 and this painting “Sons of Joseon: Squirt Water Not Bullets” was exhibited alongside her performance, as she passed out political and peace buttons “Make Art Not Missiles.” The painting is one out of a larger series of work, which are elaborations of Kim Il Soon’s performance and political pop art campaign for global peace and Korean reunification. North Koreans call their nation “Joseon” but they do not directly relate themselves or acknowledge the history of Joseon Dynasty. The two boys in the painting is of her son Kim Si-un, the doubling of his appearance signifies the twin effect, a country split into two. “Sons of Joseon” was acquired by the Smith College Museum of Art, and housed in the contemporary art section.
The North Korean Political Pop Art Campaign “SQUIRT WATER NOT BULLETS” “MAKE ART NOT MISSILES” accompanied the work during Pulse NY Contemporary Art Fair, May 9 – 12, 2013 in Booth C-2, The Metropolitan Pavilion.
Honoring the 101st birthday of North Korean founder Kim Il Sung on April 15 and celebrating the upcoming 65th Anniversary of DPRK National Independence Day on September 9, Kim Il Soon makes her appearance during Pulse NY VIP Opening reception. Her presence makes diplomatic gestures of friendship, overcomes past misunderstandings between North Korea, South Korea, and the United States, and promotes “Art Not War.”
