The Journal

This journal/Archive is a part of a bigger project, which centers around research on the Population transfer in the Soviet Union from 1937 to 1939. I am an ethnic korean and my family are survivors of the repressions against Koreans in the USSR. My life is proof that no matter how long ago it happened these types of events never fully wash away—it taints our blood, how we raise future generations and how we shape our culture. 

The project has two parallels — first: creating an archive and finding bits and pieces of information that is scattered throughout the world. Second: documenting what is happening in Modern Russia right this second, and how me and my family travel within these enormous historical events. The Journal in-depth talks about the ethnic cleansing Korean population has gone through in the 30th as well as its impact on me, correlating to the current situation. 

The project will open a conversation in the universal accessible language - visual art, and will become a physical evidence of the pain, the relief, and, eventually, the healing we all are going through. 

Right now I am focusing on doing a good research, fully documenting everything I find in the archives, internet, films, books. Along with that document where my family and I travel, what we experience. I want this research to become a resource I could come back to any time when I will be making my main project. It will be organized as a journal but also have an accessible database with the information about the Population Transfer. 
 

I am making this project for people like me, who feel cornered and silenced, but can sense this pain that lingers through generations. I want them to recognise themselves in my images and words, maybe agree, maybe disagree, leave confused or full of hope, but know that this is being spoken and we, as an ethnic group, as a broad community, as individuals, are still here despite numerous attempts to make us disappear. 

I am also making this project for people who have experienced oppression in any kind of way and are looking for relief and understanding. 

I am making it to everyone who looks at this world and wants to hear what it has to say about it's people and it's lands. 

Please, see it.