Busan and Gwangju Biennials Tackle Resistance and Change
Currently, Korea is hosting its prominent biennials, the Busan Biennale and Gwangju Biennale, which explore themes of resistance and transformation. The Busan Biennale, named 'Dissident Chorus', is open until 1 November and features 46 artists, including The House of Korean Protest Songs and Ursula K. Le Guin, whose works are being displayed for the first time. Meanwhile, the Gwangju Biennale, titled 'You Must Change Your Life', takes place from 5 September to 15 November, curated by Ho Tzu Nyen along with Che Kyongfa, Park Gahee, and Brian Kuan Wood, showcasing 43 artists across 27 pavilions. This event highlights various artistic paths, including Heo Baekryeon's traditional painting innovations and the May Mothers' House, which honors women from the 1980 Gwangju uprising.
Key facts
- Busan Biennale runs until 1 November, Gwangju Biennale runs 5 September to 15 November.
- Busan Biennale is titled 'Dissident Chorus' and explores cultures of resistance.
- Busan Biennale co-directed by Evelyn Simons and Amal Khalaf.
- Busan Biennale features 46 artists and collectives, including Ursula K. Le Guin.
- Le Guin's presentation includes personal drawings, watercolours, and maps from her family's collection.
- Gwangju Biennale is titled 'You Must Change Your Life', inspired by Rainer Maria Rilke's poem.
- Gwangju Biennale artistic director is Ho Tzu Nyen, with curators Che Kyongfa, Park Gahee, and Brian Kuan Wood.
- Gwangju Biennale features 43 artists and groups, including Matthew Barney, Wang Tuo, Nam Hwayeon, Tehching Hsieh, and Amanda Heng.
- Gwangju Biennale expands to include 27 national and independent pavilions.
- May Mothers' House is featured in Gwangju Biennale, with 322 paintings made since 2022.
Entities
Artists
- Evelyn Simons
- Amal Khalaf
- Ursula K. Le Guin
- Eunji Cho
- Sungsil Ryu
- Heaven Baek
- Tanat Teeradakorn
- Ho Tzu Nyen
- Che Kyongfa
- Park Gahee
- Brian Kuan Wood
- Matthew Barney
- Wang Tuo
- Nam Hwayeon
- Tehching Hsieh
- Amanda Heng
- Heo Baekryeon
- Rainer Maria Rilke
Institutions
- Busan Biennale
- Gwangju Biennale
- The House of Korean Protest Songs
- 5D
- Le Guin estate
- May Mothers' House
- Gwangju Citizens' Art School
Locations
- Busan
- Gwangju
- Korea