Analysing visual representations in the North Korean Refugee Movement for Social Change and Justice

Abstract

Art can play an important role in the communication and transfer of knowledge by creating powerful emotions and providing a voice to the otherwise voiceless. My ComDev Project Work, on which this article is based, focuses on the plight of North Korean refugees and how they are communicating their fight for freedom and personal experience through paintings and film. A mixed-analysis approach is used to examine three selected examples of visual representations created by the North Korean diaspora in order to attain a deep understanding of how the specific texts are produced and consumed The examination of  the intended and received messages  illustrates how visual representations can be used strategically by social movements in the area of C4D to reinforce or create a collective identity, and aid in movement participation by enhancing solidarity and self-assurance while creating motivation for collective action.

Keywords: art, social movements, North Korea, refugees