As the 15th Gwangju Biennale enters its final month, art enthusiasts have until 1 December 2024 to experience one of Asia’s most prominent contemporary art events. This year’s biennale, which has drawn international attention to Gwangju, South Korea, offers visitors a chance to see some of the world’s most innovative works and enjoy the cultural legacy that defines the event.
The main exhibition, titled PANSORI: A Soundscape of the 21st Century, is curated by Artistic Director Nicolas Bourriaud, a celebrated French theorist known for his concept of “relational aesthetics.” The exhibition takes inspiration from pansori, a traditional Korean performance art that melds storytelling, music, and vocal expression. Bourriaud has drawn on this theme to bring together works from 72 artists across 30 countries, each exploring aspects of community, human connection, and the shared challenges facing our planet, from environmental issues to social inequalities.
Held at the Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall and across eight historic sites in the Yangnim-dong district, known for its communal atmosphere and architectural heritage, PANSORI aims to connect past traditions with today’s global concerns. Bourriaud has invited audiences to embark on a journey of contemplation, with each installation or piece designed to spark reflection on contemporary challenges, ranging from the microscopic to the vastness of space.
In addition to the main exhibition, the Gwangju Biennale Pavilion provides a platform for cross-cultural exchange, showcasing installations, performances, and curated exhibits from 31 different creative entities, including cities, nations, and organisations. These pavilions, hosted at 22 venues around Gwangju, include iconic cultural landmarks like the National Asian Culture Center and the May 18 Archives, which commemorate the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement. The Pavilion has played a vital role since 2018 in fostering international dialogue through art, bridging global communities and offering visitors an expanded understanding of world cultures through a Korean lens.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Gwangju Biennale was founded in 1994 to honour the spirit of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement and Korea’s liberation 50 years earlier. Over three decades, the Biennale has established itself as one of Asia’s foremost cultural gatherings, embodying what is known as the “Gwangju Spirit,” which encompasses values of democracy, human rights, peace, and community.
This biennale has consistently challenged Western-centric art narratives by highlighting diverse cultural perspectives. Through art, it has also addressed pressing issues such as climate change, social justice, and equity. Gwangju itself, a city of 1.4 million people, has been transformed by the Biennale, emerging as a significant cultural hub in Asia known as the “City of Art, Cuisine, and Culture.”
As the Biennale concludes its run, those interested in visiting can still purchase tickets online or at the ticket office of the Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall. This year’s event promises not only to immerse audiences in global contemporary art but to celebrate Gwangju’s unique contributions to the cultural and artistic landscape of Asia and beyond. For schedules, ticketing, and program details, please visit the official Gwangju Biennale website.