Diplomacy Journal 이길주 기자 | The indomitable vitality of the Gaza Strip and the power of art, unyielding even amidst the horrific atrocities of war, have reached South Korea. The Organizing Committee of the World Peace Art Exhibition (Inc.) announced that it will host a special exhibition featuring Palestinian contemporary artist Maysa Yousef and local refugee children at the '29th World Peace Art Exhibition,' to be held this August at Myongji University.

 

'Beyond the Era of Violence, Painting Peace Again'

 

The Spirit of Ven. Il-bung Seo Kyung-bo’s “Segye Ilhwa” (The World is One Flower) Meets the Gaza Strip

At the heart of this special exhibition, which sheds light on the atrocities in Gaza, lies the noble peace philosophy of the late Venerable Il-bung Seo Kyung-bo (1914–1996), the spiritual foundation of the World Peace Art Exhibition.

 

 

The World Peace Art Exhibition is an international project initiated by the late Venerable Il-bung, a pillar of Korean Buddhism and a world-renowned peace activist. His 'Segye Ilhwa' (世界一和: The World is One Flower) philosophy—which seeks to unite the universal human values of peace and art while transcending the barriers of religion and ideology—serves as the solid foundation for this global competition.

 

Ven. Il-bung, the first World Buddhist Pope and a former UN NGO Plenipotentiary and UNESCO Special Envoy, dedicated his life to promoting global harmony in the midst of conflict. His tireless efforts led to his nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in both 1995 and 1996. A practitioner of 'artistic compassion,' he left behind a vast legacy of Zen calligraphy and more than 750 monuments dedicated to peace and unification. Today, his spirit is vividly reflected in the World Peace Art Exhibition’s mission to foster humanitarian solidarity, exemplified by its invitation of artists from the Gaza Strip to the global stage.

 

 

Motherhood Amidst the Ruins: Rescuing Art from the Debris of War

At the center of this special showcase is Maysa Yousef, a resident of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. As a mother of three, a nurse, and a contemporary artist, she transforms the devastation of war into a powerful plea for unity, proving that the spirit of art remains unyielding even in the face of destruction.

 

Alongside Her Psychologist Husband: A Canvas Sanctuary for 35 Children

In the ruins of her battle-scarred studio, Maysa Yousef and her psychologist husband are mending the broken spirits of 35 children. Through their art therapy workshops, they have created a "sanctuary on drawing paper," offering a peaceful space for young souls to escape the extreme terrors of war and begin their journey toward healing.

 

Amidst the ruins, about 35 refugee children press their vibrant handprints against walls broken by airstrikes, leaving behind a poignant record of their survival: 'We are still here.' These children find a sanctuary in art, depicting Handala, the symbolic figure of Palestinian resilience, delivering aid. In doing so, they comfort one another and slowly mend the deep scars of their loss.

 

Artist Maysa Yousef: “This Exhibition is a Bridge for Cultural Diplomacy… Please Be Our Voice”

In a recent acceptance email sent to the Organizing Committee, artist Maysa Yousef expressed her deep resonance with the values of the World Peace Art Exhibition and shared her heartfelt emotions regarding her participation.

 

"I express my deepest gratitude for the spirit of solidarity and the invitation sent from Seoul," she stated. "I am well aware that the World Peace Art Exhibition has long served as a bridge for cultural diplomacy and dialogue for peace. I am incredibly proud and honored to add my voice to this international message of peace and resilience."

 

Regarding the exhibition format—conducted via “Miraculous Transmission” because the physical transport of original works is impossible due to the total blockade of the Gaza Strip—she left a solemn and moving request: “Even if we do not survive this genocide, I hope you will be our living voice in Korea.” She added, “We are not numbers; we are human beings with our own stories and lives.”

 

An ‘Open Forum for Peace’ for All: New ‘AI & Digital Art’ Category

Marking its 29th anniversary, the World Peace Art Exhibition has significantly expanded its submission guidelines to further disseminate the peace-seeking spirit of Ven. Il-bung. Reflecting contemporary trends, a new ‘AI & Digital Art’ category has been established. The exhibition has lowered its barriers to allow anyone—from professional and amateur artists to foreign nationals—to participate freely, regardless of nationality or experience.

 

The scale of the awards, designed to honor both peace and artistic achievement, is also noteworthy. The awards aim to inspire creativity with high-profile recognitions, including the Grand Prize (Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Award), as well as the National Assembly Speaker Award and the Seoul Mayor Award.

 

International attention is now focused on the warm consolation and profound resonance this exhibition will bring to the global community, as the peace spirit of Ven. Il-bung meets the unyielding art of Maysa Yousef blooming amidst the ruins of Gaza.

 

[The 29th World Peace Art Exhibition: Exhibition & Contest Information]

• Exhibition Period: August 23 (Sun) – August 29 (Sat), 2026

• Venue: Myongji University Humanities Campus, MCC Koinonia Hall

• Submission Period: June 25 – June 30, 2026 (Via Webhard)

• Categories: Western Painting, Watercolor, Sculpture, Craft, Photography, K-Graphy, Calligraphy, Literati Painting (Muninhwa), Woodcarving (Seogak), Design, K-Minhwa (Folk Painting), AI & Digital Art (New)

• Eligibility: Open to all (Professional artists, Amateurs, Foreign nationals, etc.)

Major Awards:

• Grand Prize: Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Award

• Category Grand Prize: Seoul Mayor Award

• Top Excellence Award: President of the Federation of Artistic & Cultural Organizations of Korea Award

• Special Award: Foreign Ambassador to Korea Award

• Other Honors: Oche Award, Excellence Award, Samche Award, Special Selection, Participation Award

Leadership Awards:

• National Assembly Speaker Award (1 recipient)

• Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Award (5 recipients)

• Chairman of the National Assembly Culture & Tourism Committee Award (5 recipients)

• Seoul Metropolitan Council Chairman Award (5 recipients)

• Governor of Gyeonggi-do Award (5 recipients)

• Foreign Ambassador to Korea Award (5 recipients)

• President of the World Culture Promotion Foundation Award (5 recipients)

Organized by: World Peace Art Exhibition Organizing Committee (Inc.), Diplomacy Journal