Fictional Frictions At Gwangju Biennale 2018

In 2018, HIAP – Helsinki International Artist Programme was invited to realise a pavilion for the Gwangju Biennale (Imagined Borders) along with Palais de Tokyo and Philippine Contemporary Art Network. The pavilion was curated by Jenni Nurmenniemi (HIAP) and featured works from Lee Mire, Nestori Syrjälä, Black Night, Elina Vainio, and Lee Maelee.

The exhibition, titled Fictional Frictions, set out to explore shifting understandings of borders (mental, physical, beyond the human experience…) Following HIAP’s tentacular way of operating, the exhibition built a bridge for artists and thinkers from Finland and South Korea to gently collide and coexist for a moment. The exhibition was realised at Mugaksa temple and galleries, with the support of a local team.

Special thanks to the President of Gwangju Biennale Sunjung Kim, Mugaksa Temple, Eunha Lee, Assistant Curator Haeun Cho, and Frame Contemporary Art Finland.

All photos: Doyun Kim / HIAP