Sung Participated in the Panel Discussion, Making Art about Horrific Subjects, at the Florence Gallery’s “Comfort Women” Exhibition, Evanston, IL

​On Oct. 10, Sung was one of three panelists who spoke on making art about horrific subjects, namely “comfort women” history. In her talk, she included efforts made in SF to preserve “comfort women” history and her personal connection to “comfort women” history and issues. At the panel discussion, Sung also shared two examples of three-dimensional books compiled from ESJF’s communal art project, My Message to Kim Hak-Soon Halmoni. Close to 200 messages were printed in Korean and English and then pasted on seven different butterfly designs. This “comfort women” exhibition at the Florence Gallery features the artwork of international artist and educator Rose Camastro-Pritchett and is on view until Oct. 27. Rose’s talk and her artwork focus on bringing dignity and strength to survivors while encouraging visitors to make emotional connections with them. Another panelist, Jeri Frederickson, a poet and creative director of Awakenings Gallery in Chicago, enriched the discussion by sharing her personal experiences with survivors and students. Awakenings is a non-profit organization dedicated to making visible the artistic expression of survivors of sexual violence. Florence Gallery Director Lisa Degliantoni moderated the session.

The gallery was packed with audience members, some of whom had to stand throughout the two hours of panel discussion, and contributed to a flow of important questions and comments that kept the discussion lively and enriching. 

“Comfort Women” History and Issues—both teacher and student resource guides—are included in this exhibition, marking the first time for these resource guides to be on exhibition display.