SEOUL - In a significant showcase at the Venice Art Biennale, South Korea is set to present works from its most esteemed artists, including pieces from the collection of BTS's RM. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Korean Pavilion at the Biennale, underscoring the nation's growing influence in the global art scene. The pavilion will feature an array of works ranging from Korean abstract art master Yoo Young-kuk to Seundja Rhee, a pioneering female abstract artist.
According to Yonhap News Agency, this year's participation holds particular resonance as it commemorates three decades since the pavilion's inception, sparked by a meeting between visionary artist Paik Nam-june and former President Kim Young-sam in 1993. The meeting led to the establishment of the pavilion in 1995, which has since become a vital platform for introducing Korean artists to the international community.
ARKO has collaborated with seven other art institutions to curate a comprehensive exhibition titled "Every Island is a Mountain." This retrospective will spotlight the contributions of the 38 artists who have represented South Korea over the past 30 years, showcasing the role of art in transcending societal divides. Koo Jeong A, known for her immersive, site-specific installations, will represent the country at this year's Biennale, promising a unique and introspective experience for attendees.
In a notable first, the exhibition "A Journey to the Infinite" at the Fondazione Querini Stampalia will display major works by Yoo Young-kuk in Europe, including 30 oil paintings and 14 prints seldom shown publicly. Curator Kim In-hye highlighted the significance of this exhibition in showcasing the diversity of South Korean art, with pieces dating back to the late 1960s, a period considered Yoo's most prolific. Among the featured works is a painting loaned by RM, showcasing the BTS leader's role as a prominent art patron in the country.
The Korean Pavilion will also honor the innovations of artists like Lee Bae and Shin Sung Hy, who have expanded the boundaries of traditional canvas through their inventive techniques and conceptual explorations.
The Venice Art Biennale is set to open its doors on April 20, offering visitors a comprehensive view into the rich tapestry of South Korean art and its evolving narrative on the global stage.