Eight artists from the UK have been supported by the British Council to take part in the Gwangju Biennale in South Korea, which runs from 2 September-6 November 2016:
- Christian Nyampeta
- Christopher Kulendran Thomas
- Rana Begum
- The Otolith Group
- Lawrence Abu Hamdan
- Amalia Pica
- Claire Barclay
- Katie Paterson
We asked British Council Collection artist Claire Barclay about her experience: "I was invited by Maria Lind to make one of a number of commissioned projects for the Gwangju Biennale that aimed to engage with local people and places. I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to connect with individuals working with different craft disciplines within South Korea, and, with the help of a team of wonderful translators, engage in inspiring conversations around the value and meanings of materials, traditions and processes. This enquiry formed the basis of my artwork for the Biennale, and led ultimately to a sculptural work that referenced these themes and incorporated a number of elements produced in collaboration with a local steel fabricator, a master bamboo basket maker and a skilled needle-worker."
This 11th Edition of the Biennale comprises monthly gatherings, lectures, conferences, a programme for national and international Biennale Fellows, a forum, two publications and an exhibition which stretches from the Gwangju Biennale building to other venues and places in the city. The artworks and projects presented are addressing the question of “what does art do?”.
The British Council might be able offer support to international biennials to allow UK artists to participate within their programmes. Biennale organisations should contact the Arts or Projects Manager from their local British Council office if they are interested in this opportunity.
Find out more about the Gwangju Biennale
Find out more about the British Council in Korea
