“I hope there will be a time of peace and love instead of gunfire and death.”
This exhibition offers people of Korean descent an opportunity to intimately explore the 60-year artistic journey of Maureen Wolfson, dubbed the ‘Yu Gwan-sun painter’ in Korean circles.
Wolfson will display over 170 pieces from her expansive portfolio, which includes 10 works dedicated to Korean history, at 19860 Plummer St., Chatsworth, CA 91311.
Launching her Hollywood career at just 20, Wolfson has worn multiple hats – as a model, singer, and actress. In between, she has channeled her experiences and memories into art.
Years ago, after reading Yu Gwan-sun’s biography, she felt inspired to paint. Her creations stand out for highlighting deep-seated resistance, coupled with the aspirations of Koreans for freedom and peace.
Five years prior, her artwork graced the walls of Ewha Girls’ High School and the National Intelligence Service in South Korea. Ewha was where Yu Gwan-sun’s spirit profoundly resonated, and Wolfson’s piece showcased at the National Intelligence Service symbolized a call for peace and unity.
“It’s disheartening that the Middle East is again in turmoil, and a chill persists over the Korean Peninsula,” Wolfson remarked on October 10. She added, “I hope the Korean people resonate with the pieces that champion dialogue and harmony.”
For her two compositions picturing peace on the Korean Peninsula (“Come to the Table” and “Unfinished Business”), Wolfson incorporated articles from major U.S. newspapers from the 1950s, manually affixing war-related pieces. These artworks are now making their debut among the Korean American community. Moreover, several pieces related to Yu Gwan-sun, including three to four originals, will be unveiled for the first time.
On December 2, Wolfson will host an opening event to engage with the Korean community. Prominent members of the Korean community and descendants of figures significant to Korean independence have been extended invitations. Fiona Ma, the state treasurer, along with mayors and city councilors from nearby locales like Calabasas, have expressed interest in attending.
“We’re thrilled to spotlight the visionary works of an artist deeply invested in Korean history, including that of Yu Gwan-sun,” shared a representative of the exhibition’s promoting agency. “We invite the local Korean community to come, interact with the artist, and share their insights.”
For inquiries, contact: (800)588-8552
BY BRIAN CHOI [ichoi@koreadaily.com]
