| In commemoration of the Gwangju Biennale Foundation’s 30th anniversary, the Gwangju Biennale Foundation presents the Collateral Event at the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia Madang: Where We Become Us, a special archival exhibition set to take place at the Il Giardino Bianco Art Space in Venice, Italy, from April 20 to November 24, spanning a total period of 221 days.
The exhibition reflects on three decades of the Gwangju Biennale Foundation’s history while envisioning a future of sustainable human communities. Madang: Where We Become Us aspires to be a powerful platform for the Gwangju Biennale Foundation, to engage deeply with the international community, and to foster shared understanding and empathy around the Biennale’s foundational values of democracy, human rights, and peace.
Gwangju Biennale Foundation: Celebrating 30 years as a global cultural madang
Since the establishment of the Gwangju Biennale Foundation in 1994, the Gwangju Biennale has evolved into Asia’s leading contemporary art biennale, integrating artistic expression with the “Gwangju Spirit,” which encompasses the principles of revolution, democracy, and community. The Korean word madang contained within the exhibition title, translates to “main court-yard” in English. In traditional Korean residences, the madang served as a communal area where residents convened for discussions and celebrations.
Mirroring this concept, over the past three decades the Gwangju Biennale has become a dynamic forum for global societal discourse in the form of visual arts, sparking a wide spectrum of conversations and ideas. In the spirit of the traditional madang, where neighbors shared stories and addressed vital community matters, the Gwangju Biennale has broadened its scope beyond Western-centric art narratives to encompass themes from developing nations and celebrate cultural diversity. The Biennale has tackled global issues such as climate change, race, gender, and democracy, striving to reshape the future of humanity from a planetary perspective and crossing geographical boundaries.
The Collateral Event Madang: Where We Become Us showcases archival materials and collections that not only carry historical significance but also symbolize the Gwangju Biennale’s enduring commitment to diversity and inclusivity. This representation of madang highlights the transformative power and possibilities inherent in art. Extending beyond a chronological recounting of the Gwangju Biennale’s history, the curatorial vision of the exhibition aims to reaffirm the Biennale’s contemporary relevance by delving into the essence of the “Gwangju Spirit.” |
