Gwangju Biennale

Gwangju Biennale
Republic of Korea

Gwangju Biennale

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Gwangju (formerly spelled Kwangju) achieved unfortunate fame when, on 18 May 1980, a demonstration against the military regime then in power was cruelly surpressed. Official statistics reported that 200 people were killed, but in reality the number was closer to 2000.

The victims of the city and their role in the democracy movement are given for the reason as to why Gwangju has been honored with such a prestige-laden (and costly) festival. This historical background plays a role crucial to the identity of the Biennale, and is sometimes directly paid tribute to in the program, i.e. in special exhibitions.

As stated in a brochure from the organizers, the Biennale aims to contribute to "blurring distinctions between center and margin" as well as to a "break from the past of discrimination and exclusivity". The criticism of the established international art market cannot be overlooked.

When the Gwangju Biennale began in 1995, it was the first such art event in East Asia. Meanwhile, competing events have sprung up not only in Asia, but in South Korea itself (media_city seoul, Busan Biennale).

For the concept of the Gwangju Biennale, see the individual editions.

Organizer:

Gwangju Biennale Foundation

Address:

San 149-2 Yongbong-dong Buk-gu
Gwangju, 500-070
Korea

Email: biennale@gwangju-biennale.org

Website: www.gwangju-biennale.org

7th Gwangju Biennial

5 Sept. - 11 Nov. 2008

6th Biennale

8 Sept. - 11 Nov. 2006

5th Biennale