The 6th Gwangju Biennale 2006

The Theme of the Gwangju Biennale 2006: Fever Variations

Fever Variations

Founded in 1995 for the purpose of promoting the city's cultural traditions and socio-political identity in the global context through art and culture, the Gwangju Biennale is now preparing for its 6th edition as a leading contemporary art biennale in Asia.

Intent on illuminating and re-interpreting international contemporary art from the standpoint of Asia, the 6th Gwangju Biennale 2006 takes 'Asia' as its theme. The title "Fever Variations" reflects the cultural abundance of Asia-its multiple significances and the ways it affects the world with its vibrant energy and enthusiasm for change.

The cultural hub city of Gwangju is conceived as a geographic metaphor for the dynamism and energetic evolution of Asia today. The dynamic relational forces of change between Gwangju and Asia - centrifugal and centripetal - will be envisioned as a narrative of 'from here' wherein Gwangju reaches towards Asia and the world, and Asia and the world in turn gather in Gwangju. The Biennale will consist of two comprehensive exhibitions, along with a Citizen Program, visualizing the effects of this origin narrative.

Artistic Director

Kim Hong-hee, Ph. D. in Art History, Hongik University, has been active as a curator and art critic for many years. Dr. Kim served as a professor at Hongik University and has been dedicated to the education of younger generations. As the director of Ssamzie Space in Seoul, she has played a significant role in supporting experimental young artists. Her curatorial activities include her role as Curator of the special exhibition, InfoArt, at the Gwangju Biennale 1995; and serving as Chair of the Exhibition Committee and Curator of 99 Women's Art Festival, Seoul Arts Center(1999). Dr. Kim was the main exhibition commissioner for the Gwangju Biennale 2000, and the commissioner for the Korean Pavilion of the 50th Venice Biennale (2003). She also served as Organizing Committee Member for CIMAM Seoul 2004, and as an International Committee Member for the 2001 Yokohama Triennale. She has published several books, including Discourse and Sites of Modern Art I, II (2003), Nam June Paik · Happening · Video (1999), and Feminism ·Video · Art (1998).