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๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท South Korea /Culture & Society

Public art project 'Silent Sky' seeks participants on South Korean island

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • An interactive public art project, 'Silent Sky Project #98,' led by Dutch artist Rob Sweere, is seeking participants on Wonsan Island.
  • The project involves participants lying down for 30 minutes to experience the sky and nature, creating a collective artwork.
  • It serves as a pre-event for the 2027 Island Biennale, aiming to offer a moment of rest and reflection amidst nature.

A unique public art project inviting participants to connect with nature is set to take place on Wonsan Island, South Korea. The 'Silent Sky Project #98 (Wonsan Island),' led by renowned Dutch public artist Rob Sweere, is seeking participants for an immersive experience scheduled for July 16 at 6:30 PM on Wonsan Beach. This project is part of Sweere's ongoing 'Silent Sky Project' series, conducted globally. Participants will lie down together in a shared space for approximately 30 minutes, focusing on experiencing the sky, wind, and the subtle changes in nature in silence. The artist then transforms these collective moments into a large-scale artwork. The initiative is organized by the Island Biennale Organizing Committee as a preliminary program leading up to the first Island Biennale in 2027. The project aims to provide a respite for individuals overwhelmed by busy daily lives, encouraging them to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the natural environment. It also seeks to foster an appreciation for the beautiful scenery and ecosystem of Wonsan Island. Around 40 participants are expected for the project, and participation is free. Further details can be found via a registration link or the Island Biennale website. Koh Hyo-yeol, Secretary-General of the Island Biennale Organizing Committee, emphasized the inclusive nature of art, stating, "Art is not for special people but an experience that anyone can create together." He added, "Through this preliminary program, participants can encounter an unforgettable artistic moment simply by taking time to look at the sky amidst the beautiful nature of Wonsan Island." The 2027 First Island Biennale is scheduled to run from April 3 to May 30 next year, covering the areas of Wonsan Island and Kodae Island in Boryeong City, Chungnam Province. It will feature various exhibitions and programs that extend the artistic value of islands, encompassing their natural, ecological, and historical-cultural significance.

Art is not for special people but an experience that anyone can create together.

โ€” Koh Hyo-yeol, Secretary-General of the Island Biennale Organizing CommitteeDescribing the inclusive philosophy behind the art project.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.