Alumni Revive May 18th Uprising Memories Through Art

In a significant effort to preserve historical accuracy and combat distortions surrounding the May 18th Gwangju Uprising, alumni of Chonnam National University are embarking on a unique project: recreating the pivotal events of that day through art. The focus is on the initial confrontation at the university's main gate, a site now recognized as a historical landmark, which served as the catalyst for the pro-democracy movement.

“

In my memory, the bunker was in front of the main gate.

The impetus for this artistic endeavor stems from the inadequacy of existing visual records. The most widely circulated photograph, taken by Na Gyeong-taek, dates back to May 15, 1980, depicting a protest at the university gate. While historically significant, it does not accurately represent the specific events of May 18th. To rectify this, the Chonnam National University Alumni Association is meticulously gathering testimonies from alumni who were present on that fateful morning. These firsthand accounts are being used as the basis for a series of paintings designed to offer a more precise and authentic depiction of the unfolding events.

This project carries profound significance in countering the revisionist narratives that have sought to discredit the uprising. Notably, the former military regime propagated the idea that students were carrying stones in their bags, a claim used to legitimize the subsequent violent crackdown. Alumni testimonies directly refute this, explaining that stones were readily available due to nearby construction sites and were only picked up by students in response to the military's aggression. The inclusion of individuals holding stones in the artwork is a deliberate act to set the historical record straight.

“

The bunker was inside the main gate. I argued with a soldier through the iron gate, asking why they wouldn't let us in. My memory is accurate.

The artistic collaboration involves renowned figures in the art and historical preservation communities. Artist Lee Jeong-gi is responsible for the main painting, which will provide a comprehensive overview of the protest, while three auxiliary paintings, created by Kim Sang-jib, an artist and board member of the Yoon Sang-won Memorial Foundation, will detail the events chronologically. This multi-faceted approach ensures a detailed and nuanced portrayal of the uprising's origins.

“

I don't think it was there when I went.

The completed artworks are slated for donation to Chonnam National University during its 70th-anniversary celebration next month. This initiative by the alumni association, as reported by The Hankyoreh, is a powerful testament to the enduring commitment to truth and remembrance. It highlights how South Koreans are actively engaging with their history, using creative means to ensure that the sacrifices made during the Gwangju Uprising are never forgotten or misrepresented.

“

Where in the world do university students carry stones in their bags? In 1980, there were many construction sites in front of the Chonnam National University main gate, so stones were scattered around. When the martial law forces cracked down violently, the university students picked up stones and threw them.