“Our Mother” Writing and Photo Exhibition

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“Twilight of Childhood” from the “Our Mother” Writing and Photo Exhibition
“Twilight of Childhood” from the “Our Mother” Writing and Photo Exhibition

The “Our Mother” Writing and Photo Exhibition is organized by the World Mission Society Church of God and hosted by Melchizedek Publishing. The exhibition aims to provide solace to people in modern times through the nurturing love of mothers and foster stronger familial bonds.

Since its inaugural opening at the Church of God in Gangnam, Seoul, Republic of Korea (hereinafter referred to as Korea) in June 2013, the exhibition has been hosted 73 times in various cities in Korea such as Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, Daejeon, and Incheon, attracting over 890,000 visitors in total. Expanding the exhibition even to other countries including the United States, Chile and Peru, it recalled the appreciation for maternal love among people all over the world.

The Purpose of Exhibition

Comforting Weary Hearts

Today is often referred to as an era of “poverty in abundance.” This phenomenon is attributed to the widespread materialism and individualism in society, where people cannot attain satisfaction and happiness due to fierce competition and the demands of daily life.[1]

Practicing love for neighbors and helping those in need are recognized as fundamental social responsibilities of the church and essential virtues among believers.[2] The Church of God organized the “Our Mother” Writing and Photo Exhibition (hereinafter referred to as the Mother Exhibition) to comfort weary hearts and fill desolate souls with love in contemporary times.[3]

Visitors view the exhibition at New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple.
Visitors view the exhibition at New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple.

The Mother Exhibition explores the theme of maternal love and sacrifice. Mother’s love is the universal and greatest love of humanity, transcending borders and cultures. Mothers provide comfort, strength, attention, affection, and unwavering support, making them a source of solace for many people. Organized by the Church of God, the exhibition aims to inspire, console, and uplift people in modern times through artworks that depict maternal love. It is hoped that the emotional resonance and comfort conveyed by the exhibition will lay the foundation for a harmonious world where people empathize, communicate, and coexist warmly with one another.

Fostering Familial Affection

A family views the Mother Exhibition together.
A family views the Mother Exhibition together.

In contemporary society, within busy daily schedules, there is less time for in-person interactions among family members and fewer opportunities for meaningful conversations. The issue of family dissolution is growing severe day by day, driven by economic hardships, communication deficits, and other contributing factors.[4] Another purpose of the Mother Exhibition is to foster familial affection. The Church of God promotes the establishment of harmonious and joyful homes by facilitating opportunities for mutual understanding and empathy among family members through the Mother Exhibition. The Mother Exhibition serves to deepen students’ understanding of their parents’ generation and promote awareness of the significance of filial piety. Moreover, it offers the older generation an opportunity to foster empathy with their children and bridge the generation gap.

“Our Mother” Writing and Photo Exhibition Content

The Mother Exhibition features a main exhibition comprising literary works, photographs, memorabilia items, and more. Additionally, there are side events offering experiential spaces such as a video literature, photo zone, and love mailbox. In expansive exhibition halls, international works from the Mother Exhibitions held abroad are also presented.

Main Exhibition

In the exhibition hall, visitors are welcomed by a variety of works including writings, photographs, and memorabilia items.
In the exhibition hall, visitors are welcomed by a variety of works including writings, photographs, and memorabilia items.

The main exhibition features works by renowned writers such as poets Moon Byung-ran, Kim Cho-hye, Heo Hyeong-man, and Park Hyo-seok. It also showcases literary contributions from various literary clubs, including around 200 memorabilia items, writings, and photographs from readers of Melchizedek Publishing. These submissions from literary enthusiasts encompass a range of compositions, including poems, essays, columns filled with anecdotes and reminiscences about mothers, as well as photographs and various items imbued with the essence of motherhood. Depending on the exhibition's location, contributions from local writers may be included, and items adjusted accordingly.

The exhibition consists of five themes under the subtitle “Sacrifice, Love, Compassion, Remorse . . . Oh, Mother!” These themes are as follows: Zone A “Mother”; Zone B “She”; Zone C “Again, Mother”; Zone D “I’m Okay,” and Zone E “Mother in the Bible.”

Theme Content
Zone A: “Mother” Heartwarming and touching stories from childhood related to mothers
Zone B: “She” The daily life and routines of mothers, who gave up their lives as a woman
Zone C: “Again, Mother” Children’s remorse toward their mothers
Zone D: “I’m Okay” The boundless forgiveness and love of mothers
Zone E: “Mother in the Bible” Maternal love and the depiction of mothers in the Bible

For foreign visitors, the collection of works is translated into multiple languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian, Vietnamese, and Nepali.

Additional Events

Adjacent to the main exhibition hall, a variety of additional events are provided for visitors to engage in firsthand, such as viewing animated children’s stories and documentaries, taking photographs, and writing postcards.

After viewing the Mother Exhibition together, a group of soldiers write postcards to their mothers at the “Mailbox of Love” corner.
After viewing the Mother Exhibition together, a group of soldiers write postcards to their mothers at the “Mailbox of Love” corner.
Additional Events Content
Video Literature Animations, documentaries, and other films are shown, focusing on the theme of maternal love and sacrifice.
Mailbox of Love Visitors write and send postcards with messages they haven’t had the chance to say to their mothers before. They can select from five types of postcards adorned with flower illustrations, each bearing messages such as “I Love You,” “I’m Sorry,” “Thank You,” “I Miss You,” and “Much Appreciated.” The postcards will be sent via the organizer’s complimentary postal service.
Photo Zone: “Say Eomonee (Mother)” Complimentary photo shooting and printing services are provided to visitors.
Book Cafe Visitors can enjoy the exhibition’s emotional impact while sipping tea at the venue where the literary anthologies published by Melchizedek Publishing are displayed.
Visitors taking family photos at a 'photo zone'
Visitors taking family photos at a 'photo zone'

Additional Exhibition

In a specific exhibition venue, an additional exhibit titled the “Peru Special Exhibition” has been arranged to display works from the “Our Mother” Writing and Photo Exhibition held in Peru. Through these works portraying Peru’s unique culture, visitors can gain insight into the lives and maternal love shared by mothers worldwide.

A work titled “Memory” from the “Our Mother” Writing and Photo Exhibition in Peru: The image shows a smiling mother, carrying a child in Peru’s traditional cloth known as Lliclla.
A work titled “Memory” from the “Our Mother” Writing and Photo Exhibition in Peru: The image shows a smiling mother, carrying a child in Peru’s traditional cloth known as Lliclla.

Current Status of “Our Mother” Writing and Photo Exhibition

Since its inception at the Church of God in Gangnam, Seoul, Korea, on June 20, 2013, the Mother Exhibition has been held 73 times across the nation until January 2024, attracting over 890,000 visitors.

The venues for the Mother Exhibition are various Churches of God located throughout the nation. Centered around the universal theme of motherhood, the exhibition is cherished by locals as a cultural destination where visitors from diverse backgrounds can engage comfortably. In 2015, Park Heung-sik, Head of Paldal District, Suwon, Korea, attended the Mother Exhibition hosted at the Church of God in Paldal, Suwon. He remarked, “I believe there is no need to be sensitive about religion when visiting the Mother Exhibition. I hope many people attend the exhibition and reflect on their lives while thinking of their mothers.”[5]

Visitors to the exhibition encompassed a wide spectrum, ranging from students to the elderly, representing diverse sectors including culture, law, politics, and education. As word spread, group visits were organized from various institutions such as schools, military bases, police stations, cultural associations, disability organizations, senior universities, and corporate entities. Due to increased local interest and patronage, many exhibitions were extended beyond their originally scheduled durations.

In 2015, Editha C. Escama, Vice Mayor of Quezon City, Philippines, visited Korea and attended the Mother Exhibition at the Church of God in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul. She commented, “Each work was touching. As I viewed the exhibition, memories of my mother came flooding back. I eagerly anticipate the day when Korean members will host the Mother Exhibition in the Philippines, too.”[6]

Since early 2020, in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the offline exhibitions expanded to online exhibitions delivered via “WATV Media Cast” and the YouTube channel “Exhibition ON.” On September 19, 2022, as the pandemic’s impact began to diminish, the exhibition resumed at the Church of God in Uichang, Changwon. A month later, on October 27, it was hosted at the Church of God in Nagyang, Uijeongbu, followed by another exhibition on March 3, 2023, at the Church of God in Banyawol, Daegu.

Chronology of the “Our Mother” Writing and Photo Exhibition
Time Exhibition Area Exhibition Venue Exhibition Start Date–End Date
1 Gangnam. Seoul The Church of God in Gangnam, Seoul Jun. 20–Jul. 4, 2013 / Aug. 29–Sep. 9, 2013 (Encore)
2 Seogu, Daejeon (1) The Church of God in Seogu, Daejeon Sep. 5–Nov. 15, 2013
3 Junggu, Incheon The Church of God in Nakseom, Incheon Sep. 10–Nov. 24, 2013
4 Suyeong, Busan The Church of God in Suyeong, Busan Sep. 24, 2013–Jan. 8, 2014
5 Bukgu, Daegu The Church of God in Bukgu, Daegu Oct. 4–Dec. 26, 2013
6 Seogu, Gwangju The Church of God in Seogu, Gwangju Oct. 17–Dec. 24, 2013
7 Bukgu, Ulsan The Church of God in Bukgu, Ulsan Oct. 31, 2013–Feb. 28, 2014
8 Dongdaemun, Seoul The Church of God in Dongdaemun, Seoul Nov. 19, 2013–Jan. 24, 2014
9 Suwon, Gyeonggi (1) The Church of God in Yeongtong, Suwon Nov. 26, 2013–Feb. 28, 2014
10 Jeonju, Jeonbuk (1) The Church of God in Deokjin, Jeonju Dec. 5, 2013–Mar. 23, 2014
11 Changwon, Gyeongnam (1) The Church of God in Happo, Changwon Jan. 23–Mar. 9, 2014
12 Ansan, Gyeonggi The Church of God in Jungang, Ansan Feb. 6–May 21, 2014
13 Gwanak, Seoul The Church of God in Gwanak, Seoul Feb. 20–May 21, 2014
14 Chuncheon, Gangwon The Church of God in Chuncheon Feb. 27–May 28, 2014
15 Gumi, Gyeongbuk (1) The Church of God in Gumi Apr. 17–Jul. 13, 2014
16 Namyangju, Gyeonggi The Church of God in Jinjeop, Namyangju Apr. 24–Jul. 27, 2014
17 Mapo, Seoul (1) The Church of God in Mapo, Seoul Jun. 12 – Aug. 21, 2014
18 Cheongju, Chungbuk (1) The Church of God in Bukmunro, Cheongju Jun. 19–Aug. 29, 2014
19 Goyang, Gyeonggi The Church of God in Ilsan Jul. 3–Oct. 19, 2014
20 Cheonan, Chungnam The Church of God in Seobuk, Cheonan Jul. 17–Oct. 26, 2014
21 Gangseo, Seoul The Church of God in Gonghang, Seoul Aug. 14–Nov. 16, 2014
22 Suncheon, Jeollanam The Church of God in Suncheon Sep. 23–Nov. 9, 2014
23 Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi (1) The Church of God in Pyeongtaek Oct. 7–Dec. 14, 2014
24 Bucheon, Gyeonggi (1) The Church of God in Songnae, Bucheon Oct. 30, 2014–Jan. 11, 2015
25 Seongnam, Gyeonggi (1) The New Jerusalem Imae Temple Nov. 6, 2014–Feb. 15, 2015
26 Pohang, Gyeongbuk (1) The Church of God in Bukgu, Pohang Dec. 11, 2014–Mar. 1, 2015
27 Bupyeong, Incheon The Church of God in Cheongcheon, Inchoen Dec. 25, 2014–Mar. 15, 2015
28 Yeongdeungpo, Seoul The Church of God in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul Jan. 22–Apr. 24, 2015
29 Gunsan, Jeonbuk The Church of God in Gunsan Feb. 26–May 10, 2015
30 Daedeok, Daejeon The Church of God in Hoideok, Daejeon Mar. 12–May 31, 2015
31 Nowon, Seoul The Church of God in Wolgye, Seoul Apr. 16–Jul. 22, 2015
32 Junggu, Daegu The Church of God in Junggu, Daegu Apr. 23–Aug. 2, 2015
33 Mokpo, Jeollanam The Church of God in Mokpo Jun. 4–Jul. 19, 2015
34 Suwon, Gyeonggi (2) The Church of God in Paldal, Suwon Jul. 9–Oct. 5, 2015
35 Gangneung, Gangwon The Church of God in Gangneung Aug. 13–Nov. 1, 2015
36 Songpa, Seoul The Church of God in Songpa, Seoul Aug. 20–Nov. 4, 2015
37 Namgu, Gwangju The Church of God in Bangrim, Gwangju Sep. 3–Dec. 31, 2015
38 Dongjak, Seoul The Church of God in Dongjak, Seoul Oct. 29, 2015–Feb. 14, 2016
39 Eunpyeong, Seoul The Church of God in Eunpyeong, Seoul Nov. 19, 2015– Mar. 6, 2016
40 Gimhae, Gyeongnam The Church of God in Gimhae Nov. 26, 2015–Jan. 24, 2016
41 Namdong, Incheon (1) The Church of God in Nonhyeon, Incheon Jan. 21–Apr. 17, 2016
42 Jinju, Gyeongnam The Church of God in Jinju Mar. 3–May 22, 2016
43 Yongin, Gyeonggi The Church of God in Bojeong, Yongin Apr. 7–Jul. 10, 2016
44 Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi (1) The Church of God in Nokyang, Uijeongbu Apr. 22–Jul. 17, 2016
45 Wonju, Gangwon The Church of God in Wonju May 6–Jul. 3, 2016
46 Seosan, Chungnam The Church of God in Seosan Jun. 16–Sep. 4, 2016
47 Seogu, Incheon (1) The Church of God in Simgok, Inchoen Jul. 28–Oct. 9, 2016
48 Bucheon, Gyeonggi (2) The Church of God in Sosa, Bucheon Aug. 18–Dec. 11, 2016
49 Jeonju, Jeonbuk (2) The Church of God in Hoseong, Jeonju Aug. 26–Nov. 27, 2016
50 Seogu, Daejeon (2) The Church of God in Jeongnim, Daejeon Sep. 29–Dec. 30, 2016
51 Yeonje, Busan The Church of God in Yeonje, Busan Nov. 10, 2016–Jan. 22, 2017
52 Jeju The Church of God in Jeju Dec. 23, 2016–Mar. 19, 2017
53 Pohang, Gyeongbuk (2) The Church of God in Jungang, Pohang Jan. 12–Mar. 19, 2017
54 Namdong, Incheon (2) The Church of God in Ganseok, Inchoen Feb. 3–Apr. 30, 2017
55 Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk The Church of God in Gyeongsan Mar. 16–Jun. 18, 2017
56 Gumi, Gyeongbuk (2) The Church of God in Doryang, Gumi Apr. 27–Jul. 31, 2017
57 Seongnam, Gyeonggi (2) The New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple May 19–Sep. 3, 2017
58 Saha, Busan The Church of God in Saha, Busan Jul. 6–Dec. 31, 2017
59 Seogu, Incheon (2) The Church of God in Geomdan, Inchoen Sep. 14–Dec. 25, 2017
60 Cheongju, Chungbuk (2) The Church of God in Seowon, Cheongju Nov. 2, 2017–Feb. 11, 2018
61 Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi (2) The Church of God in Sosabeol, Pyeongtaek Mar. 22–Jul. 25, 2018
62 Mapo, Seoul (2) The Church of God in Sangam, Seoul May 3–Aug. 26, 2018
63 Dobong, Seoul The Church of God in Banghak, Dobong, Seoul Aug. 30–Dec. 16, 2018
64 Iksan, Jeonbuk The Church of God in Iksan Feb. 14–Jun. 12, 2019
65 Seongnam, Gyeonggi (3) The Church of God in Sangdaewon, Seongnam Mar. 21–Jun. 30, 2019
66 Junggu, Ulsan The Church of God in Junggu, Ulsan Jul. 11–Dec. 8, 2019
67 Hwaseong, Gyeonggi The Church of God in Dongtan, Hwaseong Jul. 15–Sep. 22, 2019
68 Changwon, Gyeongnam (2) The Church of God in Uichang, Changwon Nov. 7, 2019–Jan. 19, 2020 (Temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic)
69 Sep. 19, 2022–Mar. 3, 2023 (Second Session)
70 Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi (2) The Church of God in Nakyang, Uijeongbu Oct. 27, 2022–Jun. 20, 2023
71 Donggu, Daegu The Church of God in Banyawol, Daegu Mar. 3, 2023–
72 Jeonju, Jeonbuk (3) The Church of God in Hoseong, Jeonju Apr. 20, 2023–
73 Gwanak, Seoul (2) The Church of God in Gwanak, Seoul Aug. 24, 2023–

Mother Exhibition Overseas

The enthusiasm ignited by the Mother Exhibition originating in Korea has spread to countries worldwide. In 2014, originating in the United States and extending to 13 exhibitions across countries such as Peru and Chile, the Mother Exhibition garnered enthusiastic responses from local citizens.

The “Our Mother” Writing and Photo Exhibition in New York, NY, U.S.
The “Our Mother” Writing and Photo Exhibition in New York, NY, U.S.

In 2015, during the exhibition held in New York, U.S., the Brooklyn Borough awarded a certificate of commendation to the World Mission Society Church of God, in recognition of the exhibition’s positive impact on the community.[7] In 2017, the Mother Exhibition was hosted at the annex of the La Cisterna City Hall in Santiago, Chile. At that time, prominent figures, including Humberto Schuffeneger, then Director of Religious Affairs for the Chilean Government, attended the exhibition. The then Director Schuffeneger lauded the Mother Exhibition, describing it as “a poignant journey back to one’s roots and a beautiful, poetic portrayal of family relationships centered on mothers.” He also expressed appreciation, saying, “It is wonderful that the exhibition is held in the warm setting called church.”[8]

Exhibition ON Channel

Exhibition ON” is a YouTube channel operated by the Church of God, dedicated to producing and sharing videos showcasing works, stories, relevant news, and the Mother Exhibition and the “Father’s True Heart” Exhibition (hereinafter referred to as the Father Exhibition).

In early 2020, during the spread of COVID-19, the Church of God adhered to government guidelines for disease prevention. To mitigate virus transmission, offline exhibitions were transitioned to online platforms. Videos related to the exhibition were posted online, allowing people to continue sharing the emotional impact of the event during the isolating pandemic period.

The videos posted on “Exhibition ON” related to the Mother Exhibition include exhibition literary works and news about group visitors to the exhibition. The videos are uploaded to WATV Media Cast, too.

Exhibition Reviews

Following visits to the Mother Exhibition, reviews predominantly feature stories of individuals finding hope through maternal love and deepening family bonds. There are many reviews of group viewings from various fields such as schools, the military, police, and literary communities. Korean media outlets covered the exhibition in approximately 500 reports, giving it favorable reviews. Around 30 commendations and certificates of appreciation were awarded from both Korean and international government agencies and institutions.

Visitor Reviews

Students view the “Our Mother” Writing and Photo Exhibition.

The Mother Exhibition rapidly attracted visitors as word spread of its reputation, “an exhibition where attendees entered with smiles and left in tears.”[9] Individuals and family groups constitute a substantial portion of the visitors, with a noticeable rise in group visits from the military, police, and others who often spend extended periods away from their families. In 2016, a group of elderly Sakhalin Koreans who had permanently returned to Korea visited the exhibition. Reflecting on their mothers who had passed away long ago, they expressed gratitude to the church that orchestrated the exhibition.[10]

The exhibition evokes emotions transcending cultural differences. A soldier who visited the Mother Exhibition in Peru expressed a desire to revisit his family. Former President of the Peruvian Supreme Court, Duberlí Apolinar Rodríguez Tineo, commented, “The noblest task one can undertake on this earth is being a mother. The exhibition teaches children to appreciate their mother's sacrifice.”[11]

In 2017, during a special Mother Exhibition at New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple, celebrating 600,000 visitors, over 200 international students from 43 countries visited. A Kazakhstan student remarked that the exhibited items used by mothers were strikingly similar to those in Kazakhstan. Having been in Korea for over a year, the sight of these items intensified his longing for his mother, nearly bringing tears to his eyes. Panko Panov, Deputy Head of Mission of the Bulgarian embassy in Korea, who attended the event, expressed gratitude for hosting a touching exhibition that invited foreigners under the theme of mother. He said, “The unique Korean sentiment and the biblical content made me reflect more deeply on the affection of Koreans and the love of a mother.”[12]

There are also many behind-the-scenes stories about family relationship reconciliation. A visitor from Siheung invited an acquaintance who was experiencing marital discord with her husband, to the Mother Exhibition to console her. The acquaintance was deeply moved upon viewing works depicting a mother’s unconditional devotion to her children despite challenging circumstances. Shortly thereafter she reconciled with her husband. She said, “When I am tired and weary, I will think of my children and protect my family,” vowing to live well as a guardian of her family.[13]

Another housewife, who attended an exhibition in Pyeongtaek, shared changes in her household, saying, “Since my husband read a mother’s labor pains at the exhibition, his words and actions have changed. He now helps with household chores more frequently and more extensively than before.”[11] After viewing the Mother Exhibition, there have been many cases where family relationships became stronger; a son in puberty reconciled with his mother after conflicts;[14] a son had an honest conversation with his mother to resolve long-standing misunderstandings.[15]

In educational circles, there is an expectation that the Mother Exhibition will foster adolescent character education. Students and parents who have visited the exhibition often recommend it to their friends, children, and teachers. Various educational figures such as teachers, principals, and superintendents have attended, and there have been many group visits from middle schools, high schools, and universities.

A school inspector from Gyeonggi Province commented, “I believe the Mother Exhibition will be helpful in fostering emotions and character of children that are withering away.”[11] Sanggye Jeil Middle School Principal Yoo Seok-beom expressed his thoughts, “I like the exhibition theme Mother because it is not religiously biased. I believe it will greatly help educate children’s characters. Through viewing the Mother Exhibition, I hope students will cherish their parents more, leading to happy families and harmonious neighborhoods.”[6]

Interviews

  • Jonathan Lewis (U.S. Army Sergeant stationed in Korea): “The fact that children grow up through their mothers’ love and sacrifice is universally true, wherever you go in the world. Coming to Korea, I find myself thinking of my mom every morning. It is not at any particular time or place, but in daily life, I always miss and want to see her. Watching this exhibition, I felt my mother’s love tangibly in my heart, and I’ve received much comfort.”[16]
  • Alexandra Roxana (a Romanian exchange student): “I believe that the ‘Our Mother’ Writing and Photo Exhibition will serve as a great opportunity to strengthen family relationships even more. After viewing it, it felt like everyone would have wanted to call their mothers. I myself wanted to call my mom so much throughout the exhibition.”[17]
  • Lee Gi-yong (Superintendent of Education in North Chungcheong Province, Korea/ Visitor to the Mother Exhibition in Daejeon Seo-gu in 2013): “I think it was a great decision to come. In the field of education, we always emphasize filial piety. I am grateful and thankful that such a meaningful event has been organized.”[18]

Publication of a Book, Pillow My Head on Mother’s Arm

The book, Pillow My Head on Mother’s Arm, is produced based on a survey of Mother Exhibition visitors.
The book, Pillow My Head on Mother’s Arm, is produced based on a survey of Mother Exhibition visitors.

The book, Pillow My Head on Mother’s Arm, is published by Melchizedek Publishing, based on a survey of 4,972 Mother Exhibition visitors to explore the meaning of mother. It selects 99 meanings and presents them in a dictionary format. It consists of the most universal and touching meanings of mother from the responses of the visitors, stories related to mother, and photographs displayed at the exhibition.

The book is divided into three sub-themes: Memories, Remorse, and Life. Under the theme of "Memories," there are nostalgic recollections with mother. In the theme of "Remorse," there are reflections and regrets concerning mother. In the theme of "Life," there is content reminding us that mother is the source of happiness. After examining all 99 meanings of mother, the 100th meaning appears as a blank space, which is left for the readers to fill in themselves.[19]

Media Reports About the Exhibition

Since its first opening in June 2013, the Mother Exhibition has been covered in Korean media outlets over 500 times. They praised the positive effects of the exhibition, describing it as comforting and bringing happiness to individuals weary of modern life with mothers’ love. They referred to the Mother Exhibition as “an exhibition reflecting on human life through mothers’ love and sacrifice”[20] and also say that it “awakens what is most valuable and precious to busy modern individuals.”[21]

They evaluated the Mother Exhibition as a display that promotes family love by reporting various cases where families overcame crises and restored familial affection through the exhibition. They noted that the Mother Exhibition transcends generations. Soldiers and conscripted policemen who live far away from their families visited the exhibition in groups and expressed that it served as a comforting space that soothed their longing.[22] The media also reported that the exhibition provides warmth with an analog sensibility to teenagers accustomed to digital technology, while offering the older generation an opportunity to evoke nostalgia and awaken memories of their mothers, thereby strengthening family ties.[23]

The media highlighted that the Mother Exhibition is gaining attention as a cultural hub, offering a warm space for cultural exchange and communication within local communities and also providing opportunities for emotional development among local residents.[22]

Awards

Local governments and various organizations from around the world highly evaluated the positive effects of the Mother Exhibition on local communities and awarded 30 citations and plaques of appreciation.

In Korea, it received citations from the district office, the National Assembly, and the Gimhae Branch of the Korean Association of Artistic and Cultural Organization for its commitment to fostering vibrant and harmonious communities through exhibitions.[24][25][26][27] In the Brooklyn Borough of New York, NY, U.S., the Church of God, the organizer of the Mother Exhibition, was honored by the local community with a certificate of recognition. The award recognized the church’s positive impact on the local community, improving the lives of many people, and inspiring many citizens.[8]

Citation from Brooklyn Borough, NY, U.S.[28]

External links

See also

Related videos

  • [Invitation] “Our Mother” Writing & Photo Exhibition, Church of God's Mother Exhibition

References

  1. A Comparative Study of Social Comparison, Materialism, and Subjective Well-Being in the U. S., China, Croatia, and India, Jie G. McCardle, Journal of Business Diversity, Vol. 19(5) 2019
  2. Luke 10:30-37
  3. The Narrative Unveiled: 'Our Mother' Writing and Photo Exhibition, Woman DongA, April 15, 2014
  4. Family breakdown, The Encyclopedia of World Problems
  5. I Love You, Even the Traces of Time, Kiho Ilbo, January 27, 2016
  6. 6.0 6.1 Love Your Neighbor with a Mother's Heart, Economist, May 9, 2016
  7. A Father, Silently Holding the Essence of Family Love in His Heart, Monthly Chosun, January 2019
  8. 8.0 8.1 World Mission Society Church of God, Woman DongA, October 2017
  9. Entering with a Smile, Exiting with Tears: The 67th ‘Our Mother’ Writing and Photo Exhibition, JoongAng Sunday, October 5, 2019
  10. Reuniting with Mother in the Land of Korea, WATV MEDIA CAST
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 The Heart's Homeland: A Touching Exhibition Filled with Mother's Love, Weekly DongA, September 18, 2018
  12. Encouraging International Students: 'Global Village Gathering, The Kyeongin Ilbo, July 26, 2017
  13. Love, Gifted by the Heaven: Cherishing with a Mother's Heart, Shindonga, January 2015
  14. Adolescent Son Finds Resolution Amidst Wanderings, “Our Mother” Writing & Photo Exhibition Official Website
  15. Tearing Down the Unseen Walls with Mom, “Our Mother” Writing & Photo Exhibition Official Website
  16. [Culture] 'Our Mother': Portraying the Simple Life of Mothers, The Kyunghyang, November 24, 2015
  17. Exhibition: 'Our Mother' Writing and Photo Exhibition in Church of God, The JoongAng, July 31, 2017
  18. The Church of God hosts 'Our Mother' Writing and Photo Exhibition, Chungnam Ilbo, September 5, 2013
  19. A Mother's Arm Pillow, Comforting Hearts from Weary Everyday Life, Aju News, April 4, 2017
  20. Tears-Formed Words: Mother, Shindonga, May 2018
  21. [News Today] 'Our Mother' Writing and Photo Exhibition, MBC Gyeongnam, January 24, 2014
  22. 22.0 22.1 The Church of God: 'Our Mother' Writing and Photo Exhibition, Incheon Ilbo, June 17, 2016
  23. [Church of God] The Grace Reappearing of the 'Mother' Who Lamented Despite Giving Everything, The Kyeongin Ilbo, July 22, 2019
  24. Plaque of Appreciation from Head of Masanhappo District, Changwon City, South Gyeongsang Province, WATV AWARD, March 9, 2014
  25. Certificate of Recognition from National Assemblymember, WATV AWARD, March 9, 2014
  26. Certificate of Recognition from National Assemblymember, WATV AWARD, March 9, 2014
  27. Certificate of Recognition from National Assemblymember, WATV AWARD, March 9, 2014
  28. Citation from President of Borough of Brooklyn, NY, WATV AWARD, November 29, 2015