Trauma, memory, and art

This chapter explores the history and legacy of the Gwangju Biennale, focusing on the enduring “spirit of Gwangju” and its roots in the 1980 Democracy Movement. Despite efforts by the national government to suppress the city’s painful past, the people of Gwangju preserved their history of resistance and resilience. The inaugural 1995 Biennale and the subsequent Anti-Biennale reveal tensions between local identity and international art. By 2024, the Gwangju Biennale Pavilion program had expanded to thirty-one pavilions, promoting cross-cultural dialogue and global solidarity. This study emphasizes how the Gwangju Biennale, despite its initial shortcomings, has evolved into a critical platform for reflecting the city’s progressive democratic spirit and fostering international artistic exchanges, positioning Gwangju as a global hub of cultural and political dialogue.