Sculptor Carves Portraits of Independence Activists to Keep Their Memory Alive

At the Korea National University of Education Museum of Education, sculptor Lee Seong-do presents a profound exhibition, 'I Will Engrave with a Knife to Remember - Portraits of Independence Activists,' running until August 1. This deeply personal collection showcases 137 relief sculptures, a testament to Lee's decade-long dedication to immortalizing the figures who fought for Korea's liberation.

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I carved with a knife to remember the deeds and spirit of the independence activists who fought against Japan with a single desire for national liberation. I want to share the precious time I spent recalling their eyes.

Lee, a respected figure in the art community and an emeritus professor, views his artistic process as a form of historical preservation. "History is remembered when it is recorded and shaped," he explains. "Sculpting by hand, whether shaping clay or carving with a knife, is like a historian recording facts for posterity." This conviction imbues each piece with the weight of historical significance, transforming the exhibition into a powerful visual narrative of Korea's struggle for independence.

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History is remembered when it is recorded and shaped. Sculpting by hand, whether shaping clay or carving with a knife, is like a historian recording facts for posterity. I was in the heart of a historian while carving the independence activists.

The exhibition thoughtfully categorizes the activists into six sections, providing not only their names and life spans but also concise biographical details, effectively creating a 'textbook of independence activists.' Notably, the display highlights lesser-known figures, including women and ordinary individuals who contributed to the movement, such as Kim Myeong-si, Kwon Ki-ok, and Nam Ja-hyeon. Lee's work also pays tribute to couples and families who fought together, such as Kim Won-bong and Park Cha-jeong, and Kim Gu and Shin Gyu-sik, underscoring the collective nature of the independence struggle.

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The hands of a sculptor are like this. My students call me a farmer. Just as a farmer handles soil, soil doesn't fall from the hands of a sculptor. A farmer has farming tools, and a sculptor always has a knife, so we are very similar.

What makes this exhibition particularly resonant from a Korean perspective is its deep dive into the national consciousness of sacrifice and patriotism. While Western media might focus on geopolitical aspects of Korean history, Lee's exhibition centers the individual stories and unwavering spirit of those who dedicated their lives to the nation. It serves as a vital reminder of the personal costs of freedom and the enduring legacy of these heroes, ensuring their sacrifices are not forgotten by future generations. The meticulous detail and emotional depth in each carving invite viewers to connect with the past on a deeply human level, fostering a sense of national pride and remembrance.

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There are many more unsung independence activists and those who haven't received posthumous honors than the 18,000 who have. Thinking of figures like Kim Won-bong, the leader of the Uiyeoldan, among those who haven't received honors, anger arises. I first selected those who kept their resolve until the end after making a decision, and those who played their role in a field.