Busan Biennale examines authority with exhibition at closed school
This year's Busan Biennale kicks off Saturday for a 65-day run, assembling 46 artists and collectives from over 22 countries around topics that embody the city's long history of resilience and solidarity. It unfolds at three unique venues across the southeastern city: Busan Museum of Contemporary Art, Space OneZ and the former Busan Nam High School. For co-artistic director Evelyn Simons, having…
The Busan Biennale, set to run for 65 days, opened this Saturday and will exhibit the works of 46 artists and collectives from more than 22 countries. The exhibition explores themes that reflect Busan's history of resilience and solidarity. The venues for the biennale include Busan Museum of Contemporary Art, Space OneZ, and the former Busan Nam High School.
Evelyn Simons, co-artistic director of the event, explained that choosing the former school as an exhibition venue is a nod to the central theme, "Dissident Chorus." She described it as a way to explore the atmosphere of a place where one goes to learn, but also experiences transformative moments in their life. Simons noted that these two layers, of coming of age and learning to know oneself, often conflict with notions of authority and power exerted on individuals.
The tension between the old high school evoking memories of childhood and its associations with authority is something the organizers wanted to highlight. They aimed to have that historical residue coexist with the current works, creating a powerful juxtaposition for visitors.
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- Busan Biennale examines authority with exhibition at closed school koreatimes.co.kr
