#South Korea #Cheongju #Re_Crafting Tomorrow #Craft Biennale

Cheongju Craft Biennale 2025: A Celebration of Art and Craft

The Cheongju Craft Biennale is returning in 2025, with a grand opening on September 4. This year's theme, "Re_Crafting Tomorrow," captures the essence of creativity and collaboration in craftsmanship. Drawing from the roots of cooking, clothing, and shelter, the Biennale presents an unprecedented scale of artistry and a profound reflection on humanity's relationship with craft.

A Grand Showcase of Talent

Over the next 60 days, visitors will witness an extraordinary display of craftsmanship from 1,300 artists hailing from 72 different countries, featuring more than 2,500 pieces of art. This remarkable collection is designed to inspire and provoke thought, illustrating the vital connection between art and living.

During a pre-press tour held prior to the event, media representatives remarked on the "meticulous arrangement" and the "magnificence" of each exhibition space, emphasizing how the entire setup feels like an overwhelming architectural marvel. The Cheongju Craft Biennale's commitment to presenting a thoughtfully curated experience demonstrates why Cheongju has earned its title as a World Craft City.

Main Exhibition: Exploring Universal Craft

At the heart of this Biennale lies the main exhibition, which poses the poignant question: how does universal civilization evolve through aesthetics to create craft that resonates within communities? Artistic Director Kang Jae-young emphasizes the importance of craft in the context of today's digital age, where image saturation and speed often dominate consumer culture. This exhibition aims to highlight how craft can serve as a meaningful response to the challenges we face, emphasizing communal creation and shared experiences.

The main exhibition is organized into four subthemes: 1) Crafts as Metaculture, 2) Crafts for Aestheticians, 3) Crafts for All Beings, and 4) Craft with Communities. Each section features artistic contributions from 148 artists representing 55 teams across 16 countries, collectively exploring the role of craft in societal evolution.

Special Highlights and Exhibitions

What makes the Cheongju Craft Biennale truly special is not just the main exhibition, but also its outstanding array of special exhibitions.

• - One standout is the Hyundai Translocal Series: Entangled and Woven, aimed at promoting international artistic collaborations. This exhibition fosters dialogue through textile art, reflecting cultural exchanges between Korea and India. Featuring works from eight artists, this display serves as a testament to the power of textiles to convey history and memory.
• - Additionally, the Seongpa Seonye Exhibition showcases the artistic journey of Venerable Seongpa, a monk and Supreme Patriarch of the Jogye Order, featuring a monumental hanji work that stretches an impressive 100 meters.

The invited country exhibition for this Biennale is Thailand, marking a historic moment as it becomes the first Asian nation featured as a solo guest. This exhibition, curated by Gridthiya Gaweewong, focuses on Thailand's craft heritage amidst the pressures of commercialization, showcasing three thematic sections that encapsulate the essence of Thai craftsmanship.

Community, Environment, and Healing

The Cheongju Craft Biennale isn’t just about art; it's a celebration of community. Mayor Lee Beom-seok expressed that this event symbolizes Cheongju's commitment to leveraging craft for social healing and environmental contemplation. Emphasizing that craft connects values with the world, he invites everyone to partake in this 60-day journey that celebrates craftsmanship while addressing larger societal issues.

The Biennale will run from September 4 to November 2, operating daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with Mondays excluded from the schedule. Cheongju proudly hosts the world’s first specialized biennial for crafts, and since 1999, it has championed craftsmanship through its unique events. The rich tapestry of creativity and community spirit encapsulated in this Biennale promises an unforgettable experience for all.

For more information, visitors can check the official website of the Cheongju Craft Biennale Organizing Committee: www.okcj.org.