The true spirit and value of art has often been threatened in the midst of conflicts facing world's
culture.Although the dominance of political ideologies and cultural hegemony has diminished, questions
concerning the essential functions and credibility of art still remain unanswered. Work shown by: Gulsun Karamustafa `Trellis of my mind'
Art must overcome the isolation and bias instilled by authoritarianism and contribute to a climate
of candid expression that can be shared and celebrated with all people. The year 1995-a time
when this century is drawing to a close, concluding another chapter in history-opens a new
order in the field of art.
To clarify misconceptions regarding the history of Kwangju, the Kwangju Biennale joins in the
celebration of diverse cultures so that Kwangju can become a city of light that uses art to
brighten the dark reality of Korean separation.
Art must reject conflict, confrontation and punishment and, instead, respect the spirit of nature
based on humanity. This is the very strength that allows art to maintain a life of its own, enabling it
to function as a spiritual counterbalance to the problems of industrial society.
The Kwangju Biennale is rooted in the spirit of the people of kwangju and their artistc heritage.
Kwangju citizens respect national unity and assume the responsibility of being the cultural center
in the movement towards globalization. The people of Kwangju respect the uniqe diversity of
cultures around the world and strive to create a balanced history of East and West, to create an
active Asican culture in the 21st century, and to from a strong cultural community in the Paclfic
Rim.
The Kwangju Biennale will strengthen the concentration and adaptability of art to pursue
globalization rather than westernization, diversity instead of uniformity. Art should be valued
equally for the future as well as the present, maturing into a cultural movement in which
traditional values can be discovered in our lives and sprit. Technology will collaborate with
tradition in this process, and will ultimately guide us to an era of new ideas based on freedom and
imagination.
Related Links: