Kwangju's Biennale Festival Opens with a Bang

Aisa's first and biggest fine-arts festival, the Third Kwangju Biennale opened its 71-day run today (March 29) with a ceremony in Joongwoe Park, Kwangju. Famous figures from home and abroad, and thousands of citizens gathered to celebrate the opening. Prime Minister Park Tae-joon, Kwangju Mayor Koh Jae-yoo, Culture-Tourism Vice-Minister Kim Soon-kyu, Seoul Mayor Koh Kun were among them.

The grand prix and $10,000 were awarded to Shirin Neshat, presenting video art, among 247 artists from 46 countries. Toya Shigeo received the Asia Artist prize for his work 'From V'. Sereeter Dagvaadorj with 'Installation', and Chienjen Chen with 'Image of an Absent Mind' were awarded the Special prize. Kim Ho-suk with 'Parade of History' was chosen by reporters for the press prize.

The Biennale will host various events around the main theme 'Man+Space', including the main exhibition, a special exhibition and a new media art exhibition until its close on June 7.

by Kee Son-min