Forty-two years after the May 18, 1980 Gwangju Uprising in South Korea when thousands of demonstrators were killed and wounded by government troops, the exhibition, Blood and Tears: Portrayals of Gwangju’s Democratic Struggle, continues unfolding fading truths and historical distortions. Blood and Tears explores the history of Gwangju, which had a leading role in the fight for democratic freedom and human rights and subsequently became a hub for internationally recognized contemporary art. The exhibition is curated by Thalia Vrachopoulos, professor of art history at John Jay College and independent curator Soojung Hyun. There will be a symposium on October 12, followed by a closing reception on October 21 featuring a performance by the artist Hong Joo.