An exhibition capturing adolescents' processes of self-reflection and emotional recovery through art experience activities has been arranged at Jeonbuk National University (JBNU).

The成果 exhibition of the 7th JBNU Youth Art Therapy J.A.T (JBNU Art Therapy), jointly organized by the JBNU Department of Fine Arts, the Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office, and the Jeonju Regional Council of the Ministry of Justice's Juvenile Crime Prevention Committee, opened on September 1 at 5:30 p.m. in the JBNU Convention Center exhibition hall with JBNU President Yang O-bong and Lee Jeong-ryeol, Chief Prosecutor of the Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office, in attendance.

The exhibition was arranged to share with the public the approximately two-month process through which youths who received conditional suspension of prosecution reflected on their inner lives and grew through artistic activities. It presents the educational outcomes that supported youths' recovery and growth through art, moving beyond punishment-centered approaches.

Through the J.A.T program, the JBNU Department of Fine Arts supports the emotional stabilization, self-reflection, and social reintegration of youths subject to conditional suspension of prosecution. The program's goal is to help youths grow into healthy members of society by focusing not merely on punishment for misconduct but on emotional wounds and the potential for recovery.

This year’s 7th session operated under the theme “Sculptures That Connect Hearts.” Eleven youths participated in twice-weekly sessions for about two months. Participants expressed their emotions and experiences through a variety of three-dimensional art activities, including metal forging and wire sculpture, mobile making, body casting, wood carving, and wooden chair construction.

The hands-on creative process of touching, cutting, and assembling work became a natural channel of communication for youths who find it difficult to express emotions in words. The completed works served as a medium for confirming their existence and experiencing accomplishment, which helped boost self-esteem and self-efficacy.

In particular, the 9th session featured a “recorded interview” using works cast from the participants' own bodies. The youths asked and answered questions on their works, revisited emotions and past times, and reflected on their future lives. Through art, they were able to view themselves more objectively and mark a turning point for planning their futures.

The program also promoted empathy and the restoration of social relationships through peer collaboration and communication. The final exhibition was structured so that participating youths could share their works with the community and recover a sense of achievement and confidence.

Yang O-bong, President of JBNU, offered warm encouragement for the youths' artistic reflection and growth, emphasizing that art is a language for expressing the heart and a source of healing and empathy. He added, “I hope this experience gives the youths the courage to believe in themselves and try again.”

Lee Jeong-ryeol, Chief Prosecutor of the Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office, noted that since the program began in 2022, some 80 youths have participated. He expressed his intention to continue attention and support for the healthy growth and future of young people, conveying the message that small changes can produce large results.

Professor Eom Hyuk-yong (Department of Fine Arts), who oversaw the program, said, “J.A.T is a program that offers opportunities for second chances rather than punishment. I hope the local community’s interest and support will continue so that more youths can discover themselves and grow through art.”