Use of Electric Light at the Time of Attack on Bingyang, Korea 1867 - 1899

Kobayashi Kiyochika created this woodblock print, Use of Electric Light at the Time of Attack on Bingyang, Korea, during a time of rapid technological advancement. The beam of electric light, stark against the dark sky, symbolizes enlightenment and progress, but here it is weaponized, guiding artillery fire. Consider how light has been used in art across time. In religious paintings, light often represents divine presence or revelation. But here, it illuminates destruction. This transformation speaks volumes about the changing values of society. What was once a symbol of hope is now a tool of war. The collective memory of light as a positive force clashes with its depiction here, creating a powerful psychological tension. This tension forces us to confront the complex relationship between progress and destruction, reminding us that even the most enlightened advancements can be used for the darkest purposes. The human psyche is caught between the promise of progress and the dread of destruction. As you gaze at this print, reflect on the cyclical nature of symbols. They resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, reflecting the ever-changing human experience.