Gwangju, the sixth-largest city in South Korea, is renowned not only for its significant role in the 1980 Gwangju Uprising against military rule but also for hosting the biennale since 1995, which attracts top global artists.
Although Poland and South Korea are nearly 8,000 kilometers apart, cultural connections have bridged this gap over the years.
The Polish pavilion will be one of 32 national exhibitions showcasing leading contemporary art achievements.
The official opening will take place on September 5 at 5 PM, with part of the exhibition available for viewing starting Saturday, September 7.
This year’s biennale theme, "Pansori – Soundscape of the 21st Century," emphasizes a focus on profound artistic expressions.
Katastematic Pleasures: Greek philosophy meets modern art at Gwangju Biennale
Curated by Paweł Janicki, the Polish exhibition "Katastematic Pleasures" delves into the ancient Greek idea of achieving lasting contentment through inner peace, in contrast to the temporary pleasures of modern pop culture.
The show features collaborations from Przemysław Jasielski, IP Group, and Madina Mahomedova, along with works by Alicja Klich, who addresses themes like feminism, discrimination, climate change, and mental health through a personal and often ironic lens, as exemplified by her installation "Sztuka już nie jest dla mnie" (Art is No Longer for Me).
Additionally the renowned installation "Dream House" by Agata Ingarden will be on display.
This piece explores how visions of an ideal living space influence Generation Z's future aspirations. It combines industrial materials from Kyiv with natural elements to create multimedia sculptures and sound installations that narrate the stories of five characters.
The Polish pavilion at the Gwangju Biennale will be open for visitors until December 1, 2024.
15. Gwangju Biennale, September 7 - December 1, 2024, South Korea
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