Venice Biennale Korea Pavilion to Explore ‘Liberation Space,’ Featuring Work by Han Kang

Artist Noh Hyeri speaks about her work at a briefing on the Korea Pavilion exhibition for the 61st International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale at ARKO Art Center in Seoul on March 19. From left: Korea Pavilion artistic director Choi Bitna, artist Choi Go-eun and artist Noh Hyeri. [Yonhap]

The theme of the Korea Pavilion at this year’s Venice Biennale, opening in May, is “Liberation Space: Fortress and Nest.” The exhibition revisits the “liberation space” of 1945 to 1948 — a transitional period after Japanese colonial rule as Koreans sought to build a new state — and extends it into an ongoing, present-day question explored through aesthetics. Writer Han Kang will take part.

Choi Bitna, the pavilion’s artistic director, said at a news conference March 19 at ARKO Art Center in Seoul that Han’s Nobel Prize lecture resonated with her.

“Just as Han Kang’s lecture included the line, ‘Can the past help the present? Can the dead save the living,’ I couldn’t help but ask what role art — or I — can play,” Choi said.

Choi also referred to what she called the “illegal martial law” incident on Dec. 3, the impeachment and a change of government, saying they sharpened a shared civic awareness about the country’s formation and the development of its democratic system.

“I hoped I could do something as a way to repay those who stood in the square for so long,” she said.

The pavilion will be presented as a temporary monument for “Liberation Space,” described as both a liberation space and an ongoing site for practicing a new concept of sovereignty. Artists Choi Go-eun and Cho Hyeri will present sculptural installations and performance-based works titled “Meridian” and “Bearing,” respectively.

Choi said she focused on 1995, when the Korea Pavilion was built.

“That was when the Gwangju Biennale was first held and Korea National University of Arts was established. The demolition of the former Japanese Government-General building also began,” she said. “It was a moment of transition, leading into the start of a civilian government.”

The pavilion will also invite a wide range of creators and activists from cultural and social fields as fellows, including novelist Han. Organizers said Han is not expected to attend the exhibition opening.

Artist Noh Hyeri said Han created a sculpture titled “Funeral,” which is scheduled to be shown alongside Noh’s work.

“A community didn’t only save people — it also killed many,” Noh said, adding that Han is expected to address that theme.

Noh said Han’s “Funeral” realizes in sculpture a scene from a dream that became a motif for Han’s novel “I Do Not Bid Farewell.” Two anthology volumes published in place of a catalog will include Han’s writing, including pages 1 and 2 of the novel.

Organizers also said the Korea Pavilion will pursue cooperation with the Japan Pavilion, described as the first such collaboration between the only two Asian national pavilions in the Giardini.

Hyundai Motor is the exhibition’s official sponsor. Bulgari Korea, the Doosan Yonkang Foundation, Shinhan Bank and individual donors are also providing support.

* This article has been translated by AI.

Yoon Juhye