16th Gwangju Biennale adopts Rilke-inspired theme 'You must change your life' for 2025 edition
Ho Tzu Nyen will lead the 16th Gwangju Biennale as artistic director, working with curators Che Kyongfa, Park Gahee and Brian Kuan Wood. Scheduled from 5 September to 15 November 2025, this edition takes its title from Rainer Maria Rilke's 1908 poem Archaic Torso of Apollo. The theme examines art's capacity for transformation during periods of crisis. A deliberately reduced artist roster will emphasize depth rather than quantity, marking the smallest participant count in the event's history. Commissions have been confirmed for Jacqueline Kiyomi Gork, Nam Hwayeon, Kwon Byungjun and Park Chan-kyong. Additional artist announcements and commission details are expected in upcoming months. The Gwangju Biennale Foundation has organized the event, which prioritizes the evolution of artistic practices over time.
Key facts
- The 16th Gwangju Biennale runs from 5 September to 15 November 2025
- Artistic director Ho Tzu Nyen leads the edition with curators Che Kyongfa, Park Gahee and Brian Kuan Wood
- Theme 'You must change your life' comes from Rainer Maria Rilke's 1908 poem Archaic Torso of Apollo
- This edition will feature the smallest number of artists in the biennale's history
- Confirmed commissions include Jacqueline Kiyomi Gork, Nam Hwayeon, Kwon Byungjun and Park Chan-kyong
- The theme explores art's transformative power during multiple crises
- The approach privileges 'intensity over accumulation' according to organizers
- Further artist and commission announcements will be made in coming months
Entities
Artists
- Ho Tzu Nyen
- Che Kyongfa
- Park Gahee
- Brian Kuan Wood
- Rainer Maria Rilke
- Jacqueline Kiyomi Gork
- Nam Hwayeon
- Kwon Byungjun
- Park Chan-kyong
Institutions
- Gwangju Biennale Foundation
- ArtReview
Locations
- Gwangju
- South Korea