The 11th Gwangju Biennale – The Eight Climate (What Does Art Do?)

The 11th edition of Gwangju Biennale poses a profound question: “What is the essence of art in this age?”

Curated by the curatorial team consisting of the artistic director Maria Lind, curator Binna Choi, and assistant curators Azar Mahmoudian, Margarida Mendes and Michelle Wong, the 2016 Gwangju Biennale will direct its attention to artworks and projects while addressing the agency of art in terms of the question, “What does art do?” This year’s exhibit will place art center-stage with an emphasis on its projective and imaginative capacities, its connection with the future in midst of daily life and struggles for survival in the present, and how it lands in different contexts throughout society.

In collaboration with Mite Ugro, the local curatorial associate, GB11 organizes the monthly gatherings with various activities, screening, reading group, seminar with the participating artists. This year’s exhibition will maximize community participation and introduce art into the depths of our society. The Gwangju Biennale has been partnering with art galleries around the world known as the “biennale fellows”. Through this, Gwangju will be a place to witness the lively, global cultural scene. Ultimately, the objective is for the local public to converge with the international world in order to unlock the infinite potential of art and imagination. With the Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall being one of the city’s main locale, the Gwangju Biennale will encourage public participation across the city of Gwangju and beyond.

A total of 119 participating artists from 37 different countries will present productions varying from media, installation, panel and performances centering on the process, investigation, and mediation.

Schedule

Monthly gatherings and Infra-School
Every month from January–November 2016
Professional and press preview
August 31–September 1, 2016

Exhibition
September 2–November 4, 2016
Forum to All The Contributing Factors
September 2–4, 2016

Finnisage with Inter-Asia Biennale Forum
November 4–6, 2016