The opening ceremony of the Netherlands Pavilion was held, followed by Italy, France, China, Israel, Switzerland, and Canada.

The Gwangju Biennale opened on April 6, 2023. The Gwangju Biennale has nine national pavilions, including the Biennale Exhibition Center, and in April, the opening ceremony of the Netherlands Pavilion was held, followed by Italy, France, China, Israel, Switzerland, and Canada.

Global Culture & Economy Link (GCEL), in collaboration with Gwangju City, provided support for the opening ceremony of each country's pavilion.

William Huffman, curator of the Canadian Pavilion (left), Ambassador Tamara Mawhinney of Canada to Korea (center), and Kim Ji-young, president of the GCEL pose for the camera at The Gwangju Biennale opened on April 6, 2023.
William Huffman, curator of the Canadian Pavilion (left), Ambassador Tamara Mawhinney of Canada to Korea (center), and Kim Ji-young, president of the GCEL pose for the camera at The Gwangju Biennale opened on April 6, 2023.

The opening ceremony was attended by Gwangju Mayor Kang Ki-jung and Vice Mayor Kim Kwang-jin, as well as the ambassadors of each country.

The Dutch pavilion is hosting an exhibition entitled The Intergenerational Climate Crimes Tribunal: The War on Extinction.

Witnesses are testifying about intergenerational climate crimes committed in collusion with governments and corporations, demanding justice for past, present and future generations of human, animal and plant communities.

The Italian pavilion, entitled "What does the water in sleep dream of?", explored the possibility of change, harmony and coexistence through the relationship between humans and nature.

Five artists' performances, video, sound, sculpture, installation, and exhibition-related programs captured the attention of visitors.

The French pavilion featured the work of renowned French artist Zinev Sedira under the theme "Dreams Have No Title," which explored historical upheavals and struggles, cultural identity, and postcolonialism.

The Chinese pavilion featured "The Heart of Bamboo: A Space of the Heart through Bamboo," which focuses on how bamboo, which has had a profound impact on Chinese civilization, is transformed in contemporary art.

The Israel Pavilion hosted a group exhibition on the nature of objects in our world and our relationship with them, titled Irregular Objects, featuring videos, objects, and installations by Israeli artists on various types of objects.

Curated by Woody Edelman, the exhibition explores how different types of objects behave differently than expected, how they are invisible, virtual, political, and out of this world.

The Swiss pavilion, with its mountainous residential environment and dense urban landscape, will showcase young photographers from both countries living in the real world as well as online and digital environments.

We can see their interest in artistic expansion and the expression of issues through the various technical expressive possibilities of photography, the most powerful image language of our time.

The Canadian pavilion featured more than 90 drawings and sculptures by 32 artists from Kinngait, Canada, under the theme “Myths Become Reality.”

The works featured reinterpretations of traditional themes in Inuit art, including Arctic wildlife, and included an untitled work by Qavavau Manumie, which has many meanings in Inuit art.

The Polish Pavilion hosted a three-day public program of lectures, screenings, performances, and sound installations from May 5 to May 7 under the theme "Post-Artistic Assemblage."

Gallery Vine is showcasing the work of Ukrainian Freefilmers in solidarity and support of Ukraine during the exhibition.

GCEL provided various refreshments, catering, wreaths, and commemorative gifts for the opening ceremonies of each country, as well as support and assistance in organizing the ceremonies.

GISCEL said that it will continue its role as a cultural ambassador by hosting and sponsoring various cultural events and creating a place for active cultural exchange between Korea and overseas.

Meanwhile, the Gwangju Biennale started its opening ceremony on April 6 and is running until July 9.

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