Gwangju Biennale Wraps Up Two Months of Art and Design

Gwangju, a relatively sleepy city on the south end of the Korean Peninsula, has become host to an important arts and culture festival, the Gwangju Biennale. This event is part of an effort by the city, known for its important role in Korea's movement for democracy, to recreate itself as a regional center for the arts and artists.

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The ninth Gwangju Biennale came to a satisfying close on November 11th after two months of artwork and performances. The focus of this year's event was honoring of the sacrifice of activists killed in 1980 as they fought for Korean democracy.

Much of the artwork included thought-provoking pieces centered on political and social issues. Ala Younis created a project called "Tin Soldiers" that consists on hand-painted metal figures.

According to the artist, this project portrays "contemporary Middle Eastern soldiers". It "attempts to redeem psychological, social, and interpretational military upbringing".

Tin Soldiers, 2010–2011 by Ala Younis. Photo Credit: http://on.fb.me/T8LhO0

Another fascinating artist featured at the Gwangju Biennale was by Tobias Rehberger. Here's a photo of his work, Was du liebst, bringt dich auch zum weinen (Japanese franchise version), 2010.

Was du liebst, bringt dich auch zum weinen (Japanese franchise version), 2010 by Tobias Rehberger. Photo Credit: http://on.fb.me/T8LhO0

Visitors were also able to see original artwork with Korean subjects. This photo is called "Glocal Site-Korean Style Rural House 01" by artist Jeong-lok Lee.

Glocal Site-Korean Style Rural House 01, 2012 by Jeong-lok Lee. Photo Credit: http://on.fb.me/T8LhO0

According to the Biennale organizers, a total of 640,000 people visited this year's event. 460,000 people came to the main Gwangju Biennale and an additional 180,000 people enjoyed the special participatory art displays.

Here, you can see families enjoying the Gwangju Biennale during Korea's Chuseok holiday season.

Visitors to the Gwangju Biennale during the Chuseok holiday. Photo Credit: http://bit.ly/UQtsCY

About the author by Anna Sohn

I'm a New Jersey girl with a lifelong fascination with Korea, my motherland. In 2011, I moved to Seoul and I've enjoyed living in this wired and fast-paced city ever since. I'm excited to share the latest tech and design developments I encounter in Korea and hope you enjoy the AT&D blog as much I enjoy writing for it!

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