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 edition of the Gwangju Biennale, a prominent contemporary art event in Asia, welcomed its attendees with a pavilion centered around Taiwanese artists. However, the pavilion's naming sparked controversy. The biennale organizers initially named it "Taiwan Pavilion," but later altered it to "NTMoFA Pavilion" upon receiving protest from Taiwan's culture ministry.
This change, in turn, faced disapproval from China, leading to a formal expression of regret and concern from China's Ambassador to South Korea, Dai Bing. The Chinese Ambassador conveyed his views to Gwangju Mayor Min Hyung-bae, expressing his concern over the naming of the pavilion. In response to this situation, artists representing the China Pavilion halted their installation work and ultimately withdrew from the biennale, citing their disagreement with the name change.
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- Taiwan Pavilion opens at Gwangju Biennale amid naming controversy koreatimes.co.kr
