'Taedong' by Li Kuei-chi installed at Ilgwang Beach, the exhibition site of the '2021 Sea Art Festival'.
[Asia Economy Reporter Donghyun Choi] The '2021 Sea Art Festival,' co-hosted by Busan Metropolitan City and the Busan Biennale Organizing Committee, will be held at Ilgwang Beach from the 16th of this month to November 14th.
The theme of this Sea Art Festival is ‘Human and Non-Human: Assemblage (NON-/HUMAN ASSEMBLAGES).’ 'Assemblage' is a French term meaning collection, used in art to refer to three-dimensional forms composed of various objects. The concept of 'assemblage' in this Sea Art Festival extends beyond simple combinations to include the fusion of human and artistic, ecological, institutional, and interactive non-human elements.
The exhibition theme conveys the meaning of communicating and transforming through the common trait of 'water' shared by human and non-human beings, embracing the sea as a space of solidarity. It reveals the invisible interrelationships within the marine ecosystem and invites audiences on a journey of assemblage to meet and unite with various non-human worlds living alongside us but previously unrecognized.
This exhibition features 36 artists presenting 22 works. The participating countries total 13, including many Asian countries such as Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, India, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates, and Bangladesh. The United States, the United Kingdom, and Turkey are also represented.
This Sea Art Festival is being held for the first time at Ilgwang Beach, following previous events at Haeundae, Gwangalli, Songdo, and Dadaepo. Ilgwang Beach has been one of the eight scenic spots of Gijang since the Goryeo Dynasty, frequented by many notable figures. It is a representative beach in Busan with shallow waters, popular among families. Additionally, it is emerging as a popular destination in Busan due to the development of the Dongbusan Tourism Complex, the opening of the Donghae Nambu Line, and the creation of a new city nearby.
For the actual installation of artworks, various spaces such as sandy beaches, fishing villages, community centers, rivers, bridges, and parks are utilized. The exhibition includes genres of contemporary art such as sculpture, installation, painting, photography, and video, showing a diversity different from previous Sea Art Festivals.
Upon exiting Donghae Line Ilgwang Station and entering Ilgwang Beach, the first noticeable work is a large piece reminiscent of fins and scales. This work, titled 'Membrane' by the American firm Choi & Shine Architects, is installed on the Gangsonggyo Bridge at the end of Ilgwangcheon Stream, gently swaying while facing the sea.
On one side of the stream, there is 'Cell Play,' a work made of fishing lines by Busan-born artist An Jaeguk, writhing in the waves and revealing itself through the gaps of the bridge. In Gangsongjeong Park, 'The DNA PARK' by Lee Jinseon, made from hair collected from beauty salons around Gijang, is displayed. At night, Kim Anna’s video work 'Ocean Machine' will be projected on the wall of the Haemaji Building apartment adjacent to the stream.
At the event plaza of Ilgwang Beach, visitors can see 'Anito,' a giant marine monster created using bamboo and recycled plastic items by Filipino artist Leroy New. To the left, there is 'Lightwave' by OBBA, made from special film panels that reflect multicolored light; 'Taedong,' a large bamboo work by Taiwanese artist Li Kueichi; 'Wrinkled Islands of Reverie' by Ryu Yejun, resembling beautiful islands; and 'Counterattack of Lifeforms' by Jo Byungcheol.
Interesting works continue to the right of the event plaza. 'Old Pine and Seaside Village' by Jian Ding, made from pine and colorful nets, commemorates the pine forests that once covered Ilgwang Beach. Following this is 'Trans' by Choi Hanjin, a cyborg from the deep sea who is neither male nor female. 'Swimming Roots,' a photo installation by Joydeb Royaja from Bangladesh, captures the artist’s performance.
Various academic programs such as lectures, seminars, and talk concerts are also planned. On the opening day, the 16th, a live broadcast of the opening ceremony will be streamed on YouTube at 4 p.m. The Sea Art Festival will be held free of charge every day for a month. Regular visiting hours are from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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