Shubing Dong
The Busan Biennale is a biannual international contemporary art show that integrated three different art events which were held in the city back in 1998: the Busan Youth Biennale, the first biennale of Korea that was voluntarily organized by local artists in 1981; the Sea Art Festival, an environmental art festival launched in 1987 with the sea serving as a backdrop; and the Busan International Outdoor Sculpture Symposium that was first held in 1991. The biennale was previously called the Pusan International Contemporary Art Festival (PICAF) before it launched.
Hyeryun Jung
Hyom Kang
Erica Lai
The biennale has its own unique attribute in that it was formed not out of any political logic or need but rather the pure force of local Busan artists’ will and their voluntary participation. Even to this day their interest in Busan’s culture and its experimental nature has been the key foundation for shaping the biennale’s identity.
Kang In Goo
PERBOS
SAYA
This biennale is the only one like it in the world that was established through an integration of three types of art events such as a Contemporary Art Exhibition, Sculpture Symposium, and Sea Art Festival. The Sculpture Symposium in particular was deemed to be a successful public art event, the results of which were installed throughout the city and dedicated to revitalizing cultural communication with citizens.
Take-sung Jeung
Valery Pascal Haudressy
JungHo Kwon
The networks formed through the event have assumed a crucial role in introducing and expanding domestic art overseas and leading the development of local culture for globalized cultural communication. Founded 38 years ago, the biennale aims to popularize contemporary art and achieve art in everyday life by providing a platform for interchanging experimental contemporary art. This year’s biennale carrying the theme Divided We Stand, will present 66 artists from 34 countries.
Busan Biennale 2018
September 8 – November 11, 2018 / Busan, South Korea
Please visit the exhibition page >
