Taiwan Pavilion opens at Gwangju Biennale amid naming controversy
A pavilion showcasing works by Taiwanese artists at the 16th edition of the Gwangju Biennale opened Saturday amid its naming controversy. This year's biennale, considered one of Asia's most prominent contemporary art events, features a main exhibition in the southwestern city of Gwangju alongside a project with 16 national pavilions and 11 institutional pavilions, including one for the National…
The 16th Gwangju Biennale, one of Asia's premier contemporary art events, welcomed a pavilion dedicated to Taiwanese artists on Saturday. However, its naming has sparked controversy. The biennale's organizers originally named the space "Taiwan Pavilion," but the name was later changed to "NTMoFA Pavilion" following a protest from Taiwan's culture ministry.
This decision drew a protest from China, whose ambassador to South Korea, Dai Bing, expressed regret and concern to Gwangju Mayor Min Hyung-bae. China considers Taiwan as part of its territory, adhering to the one-China principle. As a result, artists representing the China Pavilion halted installation work and withdrew from the event. The Taiwan Pavilion's opening ceremony proceeded as scheduled.
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- Taiwan Pavilion opens at Gwangju Biennale amid naming controversy koreatimes.co.kr
