2012 Busan Biennale: The Cityscape as Still Life: Describing Busan with Three Cameras

Artists: Sungpil Han, Gauthier Sibillat, Hosang Park
Curator: Jimin Song

In interpreting the main theme of the Busan Biennale 2012, Garden of Learning, I focused on the idea of space, and the city of Busan itself, where the exhibitions are being shown. The particular exhibition I organized addresses the Busan landscape. It attempts to describe and analyze modern-day Busan through the work of three photographers who have been deeply involved in the study of landscape, especially cityscapes, but who are considering Busan for the first time.

While contemporary biennale exhibitions are mainly oriented towards trendy themes and the sensational, I chose to approach this show in a simple, classic fashion. I selected artists who fit the theme and included their work just as it is, without complicating matters with heavy a heavy-handed curatorial agenda or implications. I feel the job of bringing a diversity of meaning to an exhibition lies with the viewers.

Thus, to further viewer participation, the participating artists’ photographs were installed in public spaces around Busan. In doing so the artists' images and interpretations of the city gained wider exposure, and we were able to promote greater interest among the citizens, who have supported this event.

Still-life images and landscapes are classic subjects throughout the history of art, but how we approach or interpret them has been the subject of much discussion, and is open to change. This exhibition provides an opportunity to appreciate images of Busan, which, though taken by strangers to the city, are framed by each artist’s unique insight and analysis.