Busan, South Korea – The Busan Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA) proudly presents its first major curated exhibition since its inauguration, titled “This Is Not Just Local: Tactical Practices.” This thought-provoking exhibition, running from February 24th to July 7th, 2024, is set to explore and redefine the concept of locality amidst concerns over the erosion of local cultures. Featuring a diverse collection of 149 works from 51 teams and individuals, both domestic and international, the exhibition spans across two floors of gallery space and an outdoor garden.
In an era where the fear of local extinction looms large, the Busan MoCA seeks to push beyond simplistic interpretations of locality. The exhibition was meticulously planned by a collective of nine curators and artists active within and beyond Busan, forming a preliminary research group and executive committee. Their mission is clear: to challenge and interrogate the meaning of locality within and beyond the conventional state-centric paradigms.
The exhibition’s title, “Tactical Practices,” draws from military studies, suggesting a shared commitment to experiences, encounters, and solidarity. This approach aims to recalibrate the often rigid cultural structures imposed on us, thereby investigating the derived questions, experiences, attitudes, and the zeitgeist beyond mere geographical confines.
The exhibition is organized around seven sub-themes: Strategic point_the rumored spot, Embodied memory, Network into the future, That landscape as it always were, Anxiety-Coordination-Coexistence, Sense of Boundaries, and Polyphonic speaking. Each theme delves into different aspects of locality, from the importance of personal experience and physicality in defining local identity to the interconnectedness of global landscapes and the significance of community and collective action.
A key feature of “This Is Not Just Local: Tactical Practices” is its emphasis on community involvement and interactive art. One notable project, “Dots Busan,” involved artist Yang Jazoo and 15 community members coming together to create an artwork reflecting on social phenomena like redevelopment, migration, and refugees. Additionally, the exhibition includes Kim Kyunghwa’s “Leaning on a Flagpole,” which explores the disappearing salt fields of Busan and the stories of the communities they supported.
The MoCA has also organized a variety of accompanying programs, including performances, workshops, educational sessions, and film screenings with interactive discussions (Guest Visits), enriching the visitor experience and fostering a deeper understanding of the themes explored in the exhibition.
In line with the exhibition’s opening, the museum has announced several initiatives to enhance visitor experience and accessibility. These include the opening of the rooftop observation deck, improvements to the lobby area, and the inauguration of a museum shop in May, aimed at providing a more welcoming and enriching cultural experience for all visitors.
Kang Seungwan, Director of Busan MoCA, expressed hopes that the exhibition’s multifaceted exploration of locality will resonate widely, fostering a greater sense of empathy and understanding beyond the specific context of Busan. By inviting a broad audience to engage with the diverse and dynamic interpretations of locality presented, the museum seeks to spark dialogue and reflection on the interconnectedness of our experiences and environments.
For those interested in participating in the exhibition’s related programs or for more information, visitors are encouraged to consult the Busan MoCA’s official website.
