The seventh edition of the Changwon Sculpture Biennale is now underway, highlighting the South Korean city's transformation from an industrial hub to a cultural center. Launched on Sept. 27, the biennale runs through Nov. 10 and features an expansive range of works that connect the city’s modern development with contemporary art.

Changwon, located in South Gyeongsang Province and known as a manufacturing powerhouse, serves as the backdrop for this unique event. As the nation's sole sculpture biennale, the exhibition spans several historical venues, including Seongsan Shell Mound, Changwon Cultural Complex Center Dongnam Ground, Seongsan Art Hall, and the Changwon City Masan MoonShin Art Museum.

Artistic director Hyun See-won has chosen the theme “silent apple,” inspired by poet Kim Hye-soon’s metaphor of a well-ripened apple that silently unpeels, representing the unnoticed transformation of the city. This year’s biennale aligns with the 50th anniversary of the Changwon National Industrial Complex, using art to unravel the stories of a city still unfamiliar to many.

The biennale features 177 works by 63 artists and collectives from 16 countries, delving into issues of gender, labor, and the "horizontality" of urban spaces. By emphasizing these themes, the event explores how industrial progress and cultural evolution intersect in Changwon.

One notable installation is "AirLock" by artist Choi Goen, who was recently honored with the 2024 Artist Award at Frieze Seoul. The piece, constructed of stainless steel and pipes, is displayed on the balcony of Seongsan Art Hall and captures the essence of Changwon's rise as an industrial mecca during its formative years.

Another highlight is sculptor Chung Hyun’s 17-meter-tall “Wooden Telegraph,” prominently featured at the Changwon Cultural Complex Center Dongnam Ground. The venue, which once served as a welfare and training center for workers, symbolizes the city’s connection to its industrial roots and later transformation into a space for industrial design exhibitions.

As the biennale progresses, visitors will have the opportunity to engage with installations that reflect both the tangible and intangible shifts in Changwon’s identity. These artistic narratives offer a deeper look into the layers of the city’s history, revealing how urban development has shaped its cultural landscape.

The Changwon Sculpture Biennale stands as a testament to the evolving relationship between the city’s industrial heritage and its artistic future. By examining these intersections, the event challenges conventional notions of progress, suggesting that urban development and cultural growth can coexist harmoniously.

Admission to the Changwon Sculpture Biennale is free, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors who wish to experience the fusion of industrial narrative and contemporary sculpture in one of South Korea’s most dynamic cities.

Sayart / Jason Yim, yimjongho1969@gmail.com