Gwangju Biennale chief urges separation of art and politics
As diplomatic tension over the Taiwan Pavilion threatens to overshadow the Gwangju Biennale, organizers of Asia’s premier contemporary art event appealed for the exhibition to be viewed separately from political disputes. The controversy centers on the decision by the organizers to use the name "Taiwan Pavilion" for a project organized by the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts. The move prompted…
The Gwangju Biennale, Asia's leading contemporary art event, faces a potential crisis as diplomatic tensions surrounding the Taiwan Pavilion threaten to overshadow the exhibition. In response to the controversy, organizers have urged for the biennale to be viewed independently from political disputes.
The issue stems from the organizers' decision to utilize the name "Taiwan Pavilion" for a project curated by the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts. This move has prompted withdrawal from the exhibition by Chinese artists and organizers, arguing that the title introduces political elements into the cultural space.
Youn Bum-mo, president of the Gwangju Biennale Foundation, expressed regret over the situation while defending the organization's administrative procedures. "It is truly regrettable that we have reached this situation, and I am deeply sorry," Youn said during a press conference at the Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall in Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City on the day before the 72-day event began. "We wished for the Chinese Pavilion to participate until the end, and it is deeply disappointing that it has led to this."
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
