Gwangju Biennale Faces Controversy Over Taiwan Pavilion Renaming

(MENAFN- USA Art News) The 16th Gwangju Biennale in South Korea is currently underway, curated by artistic director Ho Tzu Nyen under the theme“You Must Change Your Life.” The exhibition, which is Asia's oldest biennale, has drawn significant attendance in past editions; the 2024 event, curated by Nicolas Bourriaud, attracted 700,000 attendees, comparable to the Venice Biennale of the same year.

Taiwan, China Dispute Over Pavilion Name

The latest edition has been marked by controversy regarding its system of national pavilions. A dispute erupted ahead of the show when Taiwan alleged that its pavilion had been renamed to appease China. In response, China withdrew from the biennale in protest of Taiwan's complaint. This incident led to sharp questioning from the Korean media during last week's official press conference, which effectively halted the proceedings.

Ho Tzu Nyen stated at a press conference that the dramatic imperative“You Must Change Your Life” was drawn from Rainer Maria Rilke's poem“Archaic Torso of Apollo.” This phrase is inscribed on glass at the exhibition's entrance. Ho, along with curators Che Kyongfa, Gahee Park, and Brian Kuan Wood, aimed to make the exhibition less demanding than other major biennials. This year's show features just over 40 artists, a reduction from the more than 70 artists in Bourriaud's previous edition.

The exhibition retains an engaging quality, appearing larger than its participant count suggests. Artists such as Nina Canell, Sasaki Ken, and the duo Goldin+Senneby are notable for their repeated presence across the galleries. Saodat Ismailova bookends the show with two video installations. Additionally, Ho has incorporated a collection of lava rocks from Jeju Island's volcanoes, displayed as sculptural elements throughout the exhibition, which he considers among the featured“artists.”

We previously reported:

South Korea's Busan Biennale and Gwangju Biennale are exploring themes of resistance, protest, and societal change with works by 46 and 43 artists respectively.

China has ordered its artists to withdraw from the Gwangju Biennale in protest of the event allowing Taiwanese exhibitors to participate under the name

The South Korean domestic art market contracted by 23.7% to 615.1 billion won ($433 million) in 2024 from its 2022 peak, though it remains above pre-pandemic

Source: Artnet News

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