China protests Gwangju Biennale's use of 'Taiwan Pavilion', withdraws from exhibition
Chinese participants in the Gwangju Biennale 2026 withdrew from the art exhibition Thursday, two days before the scheduled opening, in protest of the organizer's decision to allow Taiwanese participants to use the name "Taiwan Pavilion." Chinese Pavilion curator Ruan Yuelai said the Chinese participants "cannot accept this" and have unanimously decided to withdraw from the exhibition as a strong…
Chinese artists have pulled out of the Gwangju Biennale 2026, one day before its opening, in objection to the organizers permitting a Taiwanese group to use the name "Taiwan Pavilion." Ruan Yuelai, the curator of the Chinese Pavilion, announced that the Chinese participants unanimously decided to withdraw, expressing their strong protest.
The Chinese Pavilion curator emphasized the significant importance they placed on the biennale and the extensive preparations they had undertaken. However, Ruan criticized the Gwangju Biennale organizers for using an inaccurate name in connection with Taiwan's involvement, stating that this action introduced political elements into the art realm.
The Chinese Embassy in Seoul issued a formal statement supporting the withdrawal, contending that allowing the name "Taiwan Pavilion" breaches the "One China" principle that South Korea has pledged to respect. The embassy reported multiple communications with both the Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City and the Gwangju Biennale organizers regarding this matter.
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