Untitled 

Here we see an untitled artwork by Sun Mu, who was born around 1972. His art reflects his experience of living under the North Korean regime before defecting to South Korea. This painting confronts us with the weight of a political system that demands relentless effort. The figures strain to pull a cart filled with what looks like ideological baggage up a seemingly endless hill. The bright red ground could symbolize the communist ideals of the state, but it also evokes a sense of struggle and sacrifice. Sun Mu’s personal history informs his critical perspective on North Korean society, where the boundary between the collective good and individual suffering is often blurred. The phrase written in Korean at the top translates to something like, "Let's go smiling even if the road is rough," encapsulating the forced optimism often promoted by authoritarian regimes. Ultimately, Sun Mu’s art invites us to reflect on the human cost of ideology, while acknowledging the resilience and spirit of those who navigate oppressive conditions.