OCAD University Brings "Skennen'kó:wa ken? (Do You Carry Great Peace?)" to 2026 Gwangju Biennale
The 2026 Gwangju Biennale's Canadian exhibit, titled "Skennen'kó:wa ken? (Do You Carry Great Peace?)", was inaugurated on September 5. This initiative is spearheaded by Ryan Rice from OCAD University alongside Korean curator Lee Sun. In partnership with the Lee KangHa Art Museum and backed by the Embassy of Canada to Korea and David Binet, the showcase features three artists from the Kanien'kehá:ka community: Hannah Claus, Melissa General, and Shelley Niro, all of whom are OCAD alumni. The exhibition emphasizes the significance of Haudenosaunee women, addressing themes of rematriation and Indigenous governance, while also resonating with Gwangju's legacy of democratic struggle. It aims to encourage conversations between Indigenous worldviews and global justice efforts. Further details can be found at ocadu.ca.
Key facts
- OCAD University presents Canada's Pavilion at the 2026 Gwangju Biennale.
- The exhibition "Skennen'kó:wa ken? (Do You Carry Great Peace?)" opened September 5.
- Ryan Rice, executive director and curator of Indigenous Art at Onsite Gallery, is the curator.
- Lee Sun, chief curator of the Lee KangHa Art Museum, serves as Korean partner curator.
- The exhibition is presented with the Lee KangHa Art Museum, supported by Onsite Gallery and the Embassy of Canada to the Republic of Korea, and sponsored by David Binet.
- Featured artists are Kanien'kehá:ka contemporary artists Hannah Claus, Melissa General, and Shelley Niro, all OCAD University graduates.
- The exhibition's title comes from the Kanien'kehá:ka daily greeting and centers on peace, mutual recognition, and respect.
- The pavilion emphasizes rematriation and the roles of Haudenosaunee women, set within Gwangju's history of democratic resistance.
Entities
Artists
- Ryan Rice
- Lee Sun
- Hannah Claus
- Melissa General
- Shelley Niro
- David Binet
Institutions
- OCAD University
- Gwangju Biennale
- Onsite Gallery
- Lee KangHa Art Museum
- Embassy of Canada to the Republic of Korea
- Haudenosaunee Confederacy
- Hyperallergic
Locations
- Canada
- Gwangju
- South Korea
- Republic of Korea