In an unprecedented move within the art world, the Gwangju Biennale has designated a panel of 60 Viewer-Participants from around the world who will bear the responsibility for selecting the artists to exhibit at this year’s Biennale. The only commonality between participants on the Viewer-Panelist board, who encompass numerous nationalities and walks of life, is that each is given equal weight in selecting artists to be featured in the exhibition. The panelists decided who and what they wanted to see. For example, fashion maven Miuccia Prada, head of the famed Prada Corporation, recommended Korean installation artist Lee Kyung-ho, while British farmer Ross Cherrington selected another Brit, Damien Hirst, who is known for his pickled cow and sheep installations.

Themed “A Grain of Dust, A Drop of Water,” exhibition organizers state that the intention of this year’s Biennale is to redefine the notion of “Orientalness.” More than 200 artists are expected to participate in the Biennale, which will run from September 10-November 13, 2004, and will feature numerous activities, including art exhibitions, performances, festivals, environment events and theme tours of local area sightseeing attractions.

For more information about the Gwangju Biennale, visit their website at www.gb.or.kr or contact the KNTO at 800/TOUR-KOREA.