Korea Connects with Neighbors at Venice Biennale with 'Meridian' Installation

The 61st Venice Biennale, the world's premier art event, has officially commenced with the opening of national pavilions, including South Korea's. The Korean Pavilion, under the theme 'Mid-Ocean: Fortresses and Nests,' presents a compelling exhibition curated by Bitna Choi, featuring the works of artists Choi Go-eun and Noh Hye-ri. This year's Biennale, despite the unfortunate passing of its first African female artistic director, Cameroonian curator Okwui Enwezor, continues with a focus on nuanced sensory experiences and introspection, moving away from grand political narratives.

Choi Go-eun's striking installation, 'Meridian,' immediately captures attention. Constructed from copper pipes, it traverses the Korean Pavilion, extending both internally and externally, and intriguingly connects with the neighboring Japanese Pavilion. This architectural intervention is not merely aesthetic; it is conceptualized to represent the circulation of energy and the process of healing through historical spaces. The use of copper pipes, typically associated with infrastructure and utility, imbues the artwork with a sense of groundedness while its expansive reach speaks to interconnectedness and shared experiences across national boundaries.

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The main concept is that various pipes pass through the building and the space between, showing the circulation of energy and the will to heal through historical spaces.

Complementing Choi's work, Noh Hye-ri's 'Bearing' offers a more ethereal yet equally profound experience. Composed of thousands of delicate organza fabric pieces, the installation creates distinct zones dedicated to themes such as mourning, memory, and future outlooks. Notably, the 'Mourning' section features an installation by acclaimed novelist Han Kang, adding literary weight to the visual arts presentation. The inclusion of works by other 'fellow' artists, including farmer Kim Hu-ju and artist-singer Lee Rang, further enriches the exhibition, showcasing a diverse range of perspectives and artistic expressions. This collaborative spirit and the focus on intimate, sensory experiences are particularly resonant from a Korean perspective, emphasizing a cultural inclination towards deep reflection and the interconnectedness of human emotions and historical memory.

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The exhibition is characterized by the fact that it is based on the musical key of minor, which delves into the subtle senses, emotions, and sentiments of human beings.