September 10, 2004 19:12
The 5th Gwangju Biennale opened Friday for its long 65-day journey. The opening ceremony, which was held at the Gwangju Art Center, was attended by President Roh Moo-hyun, Culture Minister Chung Dong-chae, Gwangju Mayor Park Kwang-tae, and 1,800 other artists and visitors from home and abroad.
Kim Po-cheon, chief director of the Gwangju Biennale Foundation, said in his opening address, "Let us promote innovative culture and art in the cultural capital Gwangju with one aim and language with all our heart."
The president said in his appreciation address, "Because Gwangju has old cultural tradition and passionate citizens who love culture and art, it will develop into an important global cultural hub. The government will also do its best to held Gwangju transform itself into the country's cultural capital that focuses on developing the cultural industry in an age of culture."
Kim Po-cheon, chief director of the Gwangju Biennale Foundation, said in his opening address, "Let us promote innovative culture and art in the cultural capital Gwangju with one aim and language with all our heart."
The president said in his appreciation address, "Because Gwangju has old cultural tradition and passionate citizens who love culture and art, it will develop into an important global cultural hub. The government will also do its best to held Gwangju transform itself into the country's cultural capital that focuses on developing the cultural industry in an age of culture."
After the opening ceremony, the president and other figures invited to the event toured the exhibition halls where the "Theme Exhibition" is being held to see displayed works.
With 200 artists from 40 countries participating, the biennale will be held in several places in Gwangju such as Education & PR Hall in Joongoe Park, May 18 Liberty Park, and subway stations, until Nov. 13.
The theme of the biennale is "A Grain of Dust A Drop of Water." Lee Yong-woo, general art director for the biennale, said that the theme reflects the East Asian idea of the endless circulation of creation and extinction.
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