Peace 

Sun Mu made this painting, titled "Peace," with acrylic on canvas. The image presents a chorus line of identical young girls dressed in matching outfits. Their uniformity raises interesting questions about individuality versus collectivism. Made by a North Korean defector now living in South Korea, this painting is a commentary on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, where cultural expression is tightly controlled by the state. The girls’ matching outfits and synchronized poses evoke the mass performances common in North Korean celebrations. But look closely; do their open mouths signify joyful singing, or are they silent screams against oppression? To understand “Peace,” we have to consider the artist’s personal history. As a defector, Sun Mu challenges the North Korean regime through his art. It is a powerful reminder that artistic expression can be a tool for political critique. In studying it, we can ask: what role do artists play in challenging social norms and critiquing the institutions of their time? By looking at historical documents and the artist’s biography, we can learn more about the complex relationship between art, politics, and individual freedom.