The Pohang Museum of Art will host "Orlan Hybrid - Artistic Intelligence", a touring exhibition commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Gwangju Biennale. Organized by the Gwangju Media Art Platform (G.MAP), the exhibition will run from January 21 to May 11, 2025, with an opening ceremony scheduled for February 13. This special project aims to expand the reach of media art and establish Gwangju's identity as a "Creative City of Media Art" through regional and international collaborations.

The exhibition originally debuted at G.MAP in Gwangju from September 5 to December 5, 2024, where it was met with critical acclaim. This marked the first solo exhibition in Gwangju for French avant-garde artist and body art pioneer Orlan, whose works explore the limitless possibilities of technology as an artistic medium. By integrating technology and art, Orlan's practice advocates for a symbiotic relationship between innovation and creativity, providing profound insights into the intersection of media, identity, and society.

For the Pohang leg of the tour, Orlan presents works that delve into pressing contemporary themes such as post-humanism, gender, and the climate crisis. Among the highlights are new pieces addressing the coexistence of humans, animals, and nature in the face of escalating environmental challenges. These works reflect the artist's enduring commitment to addressing global issues through art, particularly the expansion of human and non-human bodies within a shared ecological framework.

Orlan's artistry transcends conventional boundaries, positioning her own body as both a subject and medium of her work. Her career has been defined by provocative explorations of identity, transformation, and the human condition, often utilizing cutting-edge technology to challenge societal norms. In this exhibition, her innovative approach amplifies critical discussions on the role of AI, machines, and nature in shaping a sustainable future.

The touring exhibition underscores G.MAP's role in promoting media art as a transformative cultural force. According to Lee Kyungho, director of G.MAP, the show encapsulates key messages about coexistence, such as the interplay between artificial intelligence, machines, humanity, and nature. “We are proud to see the exhibition's meaningful themes resonate beyond Gwangju and hope it will inspire audiences in Pohang and beyond,” he stated.

The inclusion of new works that address the climate crisis broadens the scope of Orlan's exploration, connecting local and global audiences to themes of sustainability and coexistence. By combining innovative media techniques with socially relevant narratives, the exhibition invites viewers to reflect on humanity's shared responsibility for the planet's future.

"Orlan Hybrid - Artistic Intelligence" serves not only as a tribute to the Gwangju Biennale's three decades of cultural leadership but also as a bridge between regions, promoting the universal language of media art. Visitors in Pohang can experience this groundbreaking exhibition, which promises to leave a lasting impact on how we perceive art, technology, and our collective future.

Sayart / Jason Yim, yimjongho1969@gmail.com