"_DSC0044-01.jpg" Nearly 15 years in the making, Huong’s Peace
Mural is the culmination of 30 years of searing memories that
brings history to life and depicts the universal pain of war and
hope for peace. In its entirety, the Peace Mural is over 800
feet in length and 8 feet tall, comprised of nearly 2000 paintings.
The exhibition often includes a number of free-standing pieces from
Huong's private war/peace collection.
The Peace Mural is an ongoing, developing project as new
themes continue to be added. The presentation captures highly
evocative images and concepts depicting multiple themes including:
Voices of Children; Voices of the Troops; Mothers
in War; The Peace of all Nations; The Flag at
War; The Displaced and Disabled; The Cry of
Refugees; No More Torture; Poets Against War; and
The Wall of Injustice.
Far more than
simply an art exhibit, the Peace Mural is a catalyst to
action as it evokes participation and civic engagement, calling
forth from viewers a response through reflection, dialogue and
action for peace and justice. Viewers are invited to “sign on” for
peace by adding their own thoughts and comments to panels scattered
throughout the Peace Mural.
Exhibitions are typically accompanied with a series of community
events, dialogues, educational programs, artistic presentations and
public actions. Most of these sevents take place on site at the
exhibition and are sponsored by a variety of local partner
organizations.
The Peace Mural is both deeply spiritual and politically
reflective as it calls forth citizen and community response. But
most of all, it resonates a challenge and hope for peace in ways
that only art can do. It inspires, it disturbs, and evokes personal
responsibility. The Peace Mural is an expression of
“people’s art” as it informs and shapes civil society and
stimulates vibrant participatory democracy.
For further background, see Artist Huong's personal website as well as the following
video.
The most powerful artwork I have seen so far. Imane Akalay,Washington,DC
How simple it has been for us to easily be wrapped up in the small and insignificant things and forget how many people suffer and how easy it would be for us to suffer. Anonymous