On December 3, Mason Exhibitions, the Korean ArtPop Storytelling Workshop Team, and The Narrative Transformation Lab hosted (Dream) Roads to Home and Peace in the Buchanan Hall Atrium Gallery on George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus. This poignant event was part of the exhibition A Closer Look: Conflicted Art from Ukraine, curated by Sophie Bae and Yevgen Nemchenko. The exhibition explores the pain and resilience of those affected by conflict, showcasing despair and hope through powerful paintings, sculptures, and photographs.
The event created a cross-cultural space for Mason’s diverse community to share personal journeys, hopes for home, and aspirations for a better world—particularly when "home" feels distant or unattainable. Participants were encouraged to cultivate empathy and solidarity with individuals whose lives have been profoundly shaped by conflict.
The program opened with a performance of the Korean art song Dream Road, written by Sowol Kim and composed by Sungeun Jo, performed by members of the Korean ArtPop Storytelling Workshop Team: Shinhee Pyo, Jiheon Sung, and Seung Gyo Kim. The song, rooted in the hardships and resilience of the Korean people during the Japanese colonial era, served as a catalyst for a facilitated dialogue. Attendees reflected on the song’s emotional resonance and lyrical meanings, drawing connections between personal and collective journeys during times of conflict.
In the second part of the program, participants explored the artwork featured in the exhibition, selecting pieces that resonated deeply with their struggles or offered comfort during challenging times. Attendees also shared songs and poems that had brought them solace, connecting diverse experiences of hardship to the universal longing for peace. "It was an honor to be part of such a meaningful collaboration," said Seung Gyo Kim, a senior in Conflict Analysis and Resolution and an event organizer. "Mason’s multicultural and diverse community inspired me to foster deeper connections. Thanks to the active engagement of participants, this event became a platform for understanding and healing across cultures and artistic genres. I hope this sense of solidarity and hope continues to thrive."
The event concluded with the creation of a communal playlist, featuring songs that serve as sources of encouragement and hope. Mason Exhibitions invites the university community to contribute to this ongoing YouTube Music playlist, fostering connection and collaboration.
Through events like this, Mason Exhibitions underscores its commitment to bridging art and social change, creating opportunities for dialogue and reflection across disciplines. Dream Roads to Home and Peace highlights the transformative role of art in building empathy and understanding within the Mason community and beyond.
To learn more, visit Mason Exhibitions’ official website.