[Exhibition Tok Tok] Two Things Visitors Could Not Put Down

On July 2 and 4, a group of 17 North American members, who were attending the “Global ASEZ Summit 2024” in Korea, visited two meaningful exhibitions: “Father’s True Heart” Exhibition (Father Exhibition) at the New Jerusalem Imae Temple, and “Our Mother” Writing and Photo Exhibition (Mother Exhibition) at the Gwanak Church in Seoul.

For international visitors, including students, diplomats, and others, these exhibitions can be a challenge due to language and cultural differences. Despite seeing the works directly, many had to rely on translated booklets or explanations from guides to fully appreciate the meaning behind the art, and also the unfamiliarity of Korean culture and historical contexts could make it challenging to understand.

So, how did the young North American visitors, mostly in their 20s, experience the Father and Mother Exhibitions? Some of the members searched for tissues, tearing up even before completing the first section of the Father Exhibition. At times, the sound of quiet sobbing could be heard in the third and forth sections.

The experience at the Mother Exhibition was no different. Even male members who looked nonchalant, had tears streaming down their cheeks and in their chins. There were two things that they could not put down during the exhibition: translated booklets and tissues. Language and culture were nothing to appreciate it.

“When I was child, I suddenly got very sick. I was losing weight rapidly, and my family didn’t know what to do, but my father eventually took me to the hospital. After some tests, we discovered that I had an unexpected illness. Among the works I read today, there was an article titled ‘Refugee Life and Green Bean Porridge.’ It is a story about a father, during the Korean War who risked his life to bring home green beans to make porridge for his daughter, who was suffering from smallpox. Reading the story, I was moved to think of how my father must have taken me to the hospital.” Jacob Ericsson, San Antonio, TX, U.S.

The members reflected that the love and dedication of parents for their children is universal, transcending national boundaries. They also expressed concern about the disappearance of that universal and precious emotion.

“Although many technologies such as transportation and communication have advanced, family members are becoming more distant. People are too caught up in their own pursuits to spend time with loved ones. However, when a culture that values family is upheld, society can come together, and in that sense, the exhibitions like these, which remind us of the importance of family, are very meaningful.” Kristian Shelton, Portland, OR, U.S.

“We’re living in an age of material and intellectual abundance. However, we cannot learn the love of our parents through an Internet search or create it with a 3D printer. True love is not merely knowledge; it is something we realize and engrave in our hearts through the process of seeing and feeling. I believe this exhibition helps people do just that.” Joseph Castellano from New Windsor, NY, U.S.

After visiting the exhibition, the members showed their determination to address global environmental issues, which they discussed at Global ASEZ Summit 2024, with an unselfish mind such as the love of father and mother, thinking of humanity and the environment first. Every word they spoke was full of confidence and passion.

“Father and mother are willing to sacrifice for the future of their children. Similarly, in addressing the climate crisis, if we all made even small sacrifices now for the sake of future generations, I believe we would see better outcomes.” Derrick Wright II from Atlanta, GA, U.S.

“The leadership I learned in college focused on strengthening one’s own capabilities and winning the competition, but the leadership of Father and Mother I learned in Zion is centered on service, humility, and thinking of others first. I believe that if we all have such altruism, we will be able to unite and overcome the challenges that humanity is facing.” Nas Thomas from New Windsor, NY, U.S.

“It is a time when we need hope. More people live without hope than we might think. I was in that situation myself before I received the truth. If we come to understand true love of Father and Mother, we will all gain the strength to change the world.” Shannon Vasilakes from Chicago, IL, U.S.

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