22x30 Graphite transfer paper collagraph on BFK Rives

There is a significant taboo associated with Korean military and sex, particularly in a country where gay marriage remains illegal and LGBTQ+ individuals are often classified as "mentally handicapped" or as sufferers of "personality disorders." In light of these social stigmas, I felt compelled to strip away the uniform and reveal the complexities hidden from view. During a recent visit to the DMZ this summer, I began to contemplate the limited rights and freedoms that North Koreans possess within their oppressive society. This juxtaposition stirred a profound response within me, a desire to better understand the dynamics surrounding military service and sexuality in both a North and South Korean context. It became apparent that the biases and prejudices extended far beyond national borders and one country’s restrictive societal norms.