Every Island is a Mountain

Arts Council Korea, led by Byoung Gug Choung, presents Every Island is a Mountain, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Korean Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. Under the artistic direction of Jade Keunhye Lim, this exhibition is held at Palazzo Malta—Ordine di Malta, coinciding with the 2024 Venice Biennale from April 19. Spanning five months, it offers 30 years of contemporary Korean art.

The exhibition title, Every Island is a Mountain, captures the essence of unseen undersea connections and reflects Nam June Paik’s vision of art as a unifying force across time, space, and society. It presents artworks from 36 artists, serving as a reflection of the Korean Pavilion’s historical background, while also presenting diverse programs aimed at engaging emerging talents.

Featuring over 80 artworks, the exhibition navigates through Palazzo Malta’s diverse spaces, from secluded chambers to the grand courtyard, integrating art with themes of territory, ecology, solidarity, and a sustainable future. The outdoor section extends into a garden, offering installations that emphasizing ecological and peaceful themes, including a “Transparent Pavilion” for rest and interaction.

In conjunction with the opening, “The Last Pavilion,” a digital archive e-book, will be published. It compiles comprehensive information on the Korean Pavilion’s exhibitions and insights from its artists and past curators, aiming to highlight its significance in contemporary art and international dialogue. A dedicated website will launch, providing detailed information about the Korean Pavilion’s history, artists, and public programs.

Artists: Bae Young-whan, Bahc Yiso, Cody Choi, Choi Jeong Hwa, Chung Seoyoung, Gimhongsok, Ham Jin, Jheon Soocheon, Michael Joo, siren eun young jung, Yeondoo Jung, Jane Jin Kaisen, Ik-Joong Kang, Kim Beom, Kim In Kyum, Kimsooja, Sora Kim, Yunchul Kim, Kwak Hoon, Hyungkoo Lee, hyung woo Lee, Lee Wan, Lee Yongbaek, Moon Kyungwon & Jeon Joonho, Sungsic Moon, Hwayeon Nam, Noh Sang-Kyoon, Heinkuhn Oh, Kiwon Park, Jewyo Rhii, Park Sejin, Do Ho Suh, Nakhee Sung, Nakyoung Sung, Inkie Whang, Yun Hyong-keun.