Artist Statement
Thousands of women were victims of a tragic crime committed by Japanese soldiers in World War II. Few know of the experiences these women or the "Comfort Women" endured on a daily bases because they were, and some still are, too ashamed to bring their stories forward. During the war, they were brutally forced to work as sex slaves to the Japanese soldiers. They lost their lives and any hope of leading a normal life after the war was over. The purpose of the comfort houses was to provide Japanese soldiers in the area with a way for them to "safely" satisfy their sexual needs during the war. The authorities believed the comfort houses would help prevent the soldiers from committing sexual assaults and contracting diseases from women in occupied territories. The amount of women that served as Comfort Women is estimated to be 80,000 to 200,000. A small percentage of them were from China, the Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Burma, while 80-90% were Korean. Many women became sterile from the repeated rapes. When the comfort women became useless because of their sickness, their milk was mixed with cyanide, their bodies taken to a cave and finally, the cave was blown up with a grenade.Giving Comfort, Finding Pain, 49” x 41”, 2005. Cotton, silk, machine appliqué, and machine quilted.
For more information about Carolyn and to see her full range of art and publications:
http://www.carolynlmazloomi.com
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