Okyoung Noh: Cross the Flow of Violence

Okyoung Noh: Cross the Flow of Violence

Event Location: Stamps Gallery

Performance
Open to the public
Free of charge

“Dare to cross the flow of violence — with a broker as your guide.”

This 40-minute interactive performance is led by the artist in the role of a ​“broker” — a figure who helps the perilous escape from North Korea to China for a price. Brokers play a significant role in guiding North Korean refugees across the Tumen River, a heavily monitored border where armed guards patrol day and night.

Inspired by the story of Mrs. Kim, a North Korean refugee who survived underwater while crossing the river, the artist leads the audience through the exhibition space as if navigating the swirling flow of American imperialist violence in the trans-Pacific. The space becomes a fragmented landscape of memories, witnesses, and echoes — demanding that participants move through it with uncertainty, urgency, and resolve.

As Mrs. Kim once said, ​“You either die or survive underwater.”

Together, we submerge into this flow, fumbling through the death, pain, and grit of those who came before us. Will we be able to connect to the flow and emerge on the other side of the land?

The performance will be followed by light snacks and a 15-minute Q&A session.

Learn more about the artist: www​.oknoh​.com

Host or Publisher Stamps Gallery