Nicolas Bourriaud Curates Gwangju Biennale with Pansori Theme Exploring Space and Sound

The 15th Gwangju Biennale, titled 'Pansori: A Soundscape for the 21st Century,' is overseen by Nicolas Bourriaud, a French curator and co-founder of Palais de Tokyo in Paris. This exhibition, which runs from September 7 to December 1, delves into the concept of space through pansori, a traditional Korean musical genre originating in the late 17th century. Bourriaud highlights the local significance of the biennial, using pansori to explore issues related to voice, territory, and climate change. The exhibition unfolds like an operatic experience, showcasing works from artists such as Emeka Ogboh, Saâdane Afif, Mira Mann, and Marina Rosenfeld, while linking sound to spatial and political contexts, inspired by philosopher Vinciane Despret. Established to commemorate the 1980 pro-democracy uprising, the biennale features a mix of international and local artists, examining space through auditory landscapes.