Peace is not an absence of war, but the living process of freely interacting with others across borders seeking to understand their values and perspective, while striving for justice and truth.
Art has unique potential to advance peace in transformative ways. In this spirit, the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement invites the public to engage with an exhibit of hope and reconciliation on September 20, 2018 at 4:00 pm.
“A New Era of Peace and a Peaceful Land” features rarely seen works by American, Chinese, North and South Korean artists. Exhibit curator Heng-Gil Han, director of the Korea Art Forum based in New York City, envisions a future in which the confrontational structure among the four countries is disrupted, and the political and ideological obstacles are removed for people to freely meet and work together. This exhibit reflects Han’s vision and seeks to support the emerging peace process on the Korean peninsula. “The pursuit of dialogue and the normalization of diplomatic relations is certainly more effective than the aggressive rhetoric that the two leaders exchanged before their summit in Singapore last June,” states Han.
This collection of art addresses critical issues of the Korean division, including the division of the land and its people, and the different economic and governance systems. The exhibit title combines two maxims taken from the speeches that South Korean President Moon and North Korean Chairman Kim gave after their Summit in April 2018.
On September 20, community members are invited for a guided tour of the exhibit and the opportunity to hear stories behind these rarely seen works of art from Heng-Gil Han himself. As noted by Paul Heidebrecht, Director of the Centre for Peace Advancement, “this reception is a unique chance for community members to ask questions and explore the history and potential of Korea through the insights this exhibit offers.” A New Era of Peace and a Peaceful Land is intended to expand the international community of people interested in supporting peace on the Korean peninsula and beyond.
The reception is free, but registration is requested at uwaterloo.ca/centre-peace-advancement/new-era.
A New Era of Peace and a Peaceful Land is co-presented by the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement at Conrad Grebel University College and the Korea Art Forum. It was made possible by the generous support of Mennonite Central Committee.
The Grebel Gallery is located in the heart of the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement (CPA) at Conrad Grebel University College on the campus of the University of Waterloo. Totaling approximately 700 square feet, it is central to the CPA's strategic commitment to “peace and artistic expression.” The gallery curates and hosts peace-related exhibits to engage community members in a process of mutual learning and shared action.
Exhibit Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 8:30 am - 10:00 pm
Friday: 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Admission is free
For more information, contact:
Amy Zavitz
Coordinator, Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement
Conrad Grebel University College
alzavitz@uwaterloo.ca
519-885-0220 x24221