Comfort Women (2019-2020)

The journey into this project, which commenced in 2019, remains vivid in my memory. Over the course of more than a year, I engaged in extensive research and worked diligently to see the project to completion. The timeline extended due to the profound impact of immersing myself in the heart-wrenching stories of the victims—a deeply emotional expedition that presented formidable challenges.

On August 14, 1991, Kim Hak-Soon courageously came forward to share her traumatic experiences and expose the war crimes committed by the Japanese military during World War II. To honour her bravery and commitment to human rights, various organisations designated August 14 as the International Memorial Day for Japanese Military “Comfort Women” in 2012. This year marks the 11th observance of this significant International Memorial Day.

The term “comfort women” refers to women who were coerced or forcibly recruited into sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. These women, mainly from various Asian countries under Japanese occupation or influence, endured unimaginable suffering. This issue has sparked intense controversy and diplomatic tensions, especially between South Korea and China. Ongoing discussions revolve around Japan’s historical accountability, encompassing acknowledgment and apology for the grave hardships these women endured.

Estimating the number of comfort women is complex due to sickness occasionally rendering women unable to work, which lends credibility to the provided estimates. In terms of ethnic origin, Kim Il Myon’s assertion is that approximately “80 to 90%” of comfort women were Korean, indicating a range of 170,000 to 200,000 Korean comfort women.

Their tenacity in seeking historical truth and championing human rights is nothing short of commendable. These women transitioned from initial victims to dignified advocates for human rights—a transformative journey that evokes profound admiration for their unwavering courage. My aspiration is to illuminate their narratives and expose the truth, countering the efforts of the Japanese government to obscure this somber chapter in history. Through my artwork, I endeavour to convey their stories in a manner that is both poignant and beautiful, emphasising a redemptive perspective.

Undertaking this endeavour, I approached it with a readiness to confront history and the emotional maturity to process and share this vital information. My creations serve as vehicles to shed light on their experiences and stimulate inspiration for change. By being attentive listeners, we can collectively glean invaluable lessons from their struggles. My garments act as visual narratives, retelling the harrowing history while embracing its inherent beauty.

A comfort woman to an Artist, Sim Dal Yeon

In the course of my research, I was deeply moved by the artistic legacy of the late Ms. Sim Dal Yeon. Her journey as a comfort woman was marked by trauma and mental anguish. Seeking solace, she turned to horticultural psychotherapy within the Korean community, and her artwork emerged from these therapeutic sessions. Her artistry was highly esteemed—a testament to her exceptional talent and the support of her community. She even held a solo exhibition before passing away. Her story ignites contemplation: had she not suffered as a comfort woman, her latent artistic talents could have flourished. This realization prompts reflection on the potential transformations in the lives of other victims as well.

Inspired by the poignancy of her artworks, I embarked on a creative journey to develop a fabrication technique. This technique involves pressing flowers onto muslin fabric for my project. This approach encapsulates the fusion of her healing journey and the transformative power of art, allowing her spirit to transcend time and inspire my creative expression.