[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] Dong-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City announced on the 28th that from next month until February next year, it will temporarily suspend the operation of the 5·18 Democracy Square ‘Fountain of Light’ to prevent pipe freezing and ice road safety accidents, entering the winter hiatus period.
Since its opening in June this year, the ‘Fountain of Light’ has gained popularity through word of mouth on SNS and other platforms over the past five months, attracting a cumulative total of about 30,000 domestic and international visitors.
With events such as the ‘19th Nostalgic Gwangju Chungjang World Festival,’ ‘Buskers World Cup IN Gwangju,’ and ‘Gwangju Media Art Festival,’ it has created a synergy effect and is evaluated as having established a unique nighttime landscape brand for Dong-gu.
Accordingly, during the winter hiatus, Dong-gu plans to introduce a new ‘Fountain of Light’ that can be enjoyed both day and night.
By introducing a music fountain system that performs water jets in sync with music, it aims to offer diverse sights and entertainment to Gwangju citizens as well as domestic and international tourists.
Additionally, new media art content to be showcased through the ‘Fountain of Light’ is also being prepared.
As the first project, ‘Flame,’ involving Krzysztof Bodizko, a media art master from Germany, is in its final stages of production.
‘Flame’ is a work that symbolizes the voices of Gwangju citizens in May 1980 and the spirit of the 5·18 Gwangju Democratization Movement as a giant candle. Visitors can also experience works by Ayeko, an artist from Myanmar.
Im Taek, head of Dong-gu Office, said, “Thanks to the interest and love of Gwangju citizens, the ‘Fountain of Light’ has become a playground for children, a canvas for artists, and a space of memories for couples,” adding, “After the winter hiatus, from March next year, you will be able to experience an even newer and more fantastic night in Gwangju at the 5·18 Democracy Square ‘Fountain of Light.’”
Meanwhile, since its opening on June 10, the ‘Fountain of Light’ has presented a total of 49 media art performances to date.
Featuring representative works such as the ‘Fountain of Light’ using water screens, moving large kinetic sculptures, and floor interaction mapping, it has collaborated with artists from countries including the UK, China, Germany, and Japan, changing and screening various works monthly.
Since the 12th, artist and singer Kwon Ji-an (Solbi) has collaborated with media artist Jin Si-young to present a work that has received high acclaim.
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