2nd International Alternative Spaces Conference

Seoul, In-Between Conference International Alternative Space Conference I
2004, In-Between Globalism and Alternative Spaces

Presentation Speech and Discussion Plan

Day 1

Session 1: Introduction

The art world has been changing constantly since the 1990s when the global proliferation of Capitalist ideals and implementation of the international biennial system began. In this session, we hope to propose good, viable models for alternative spaces amidst this changing world. We will also look to affirm the status quo of Asian contemporary art, to develop a mutual understanding between alternatives to that status quo and, finally, to construct a network between these alternative spaces.

Asian alternative spaces are now confronted with the two hegemonies of mainstream art. One is national-the conservative academism, and the other is international-the pressure of the global mainstream art world. We expect to clearly demonstrate mainstream art’s limitations, and to highlight the alternate possibilities through the presentations of alternative space directors from various countries.

Moderator:
Jin-Suk Suh (Korea, Director of Alternative Space Loop)

Presentations by:
WestSpace: Brett Jones (Australia)
Mercer Union: Jenifer Papararo (Canada)
BizArt: Davide Quadrio (China)
DDM: Lulu Liu (China)
Mains d’Oeuvres: Magali Terrier (France)
1aspace: Howard Chan (Hongkong)
Para/site: Leung Chin-fung (Hongkong)
Cemeti Art House: Mella (Indonesia)
AIT: Fumihiko Sumitomo (Japan)
CAP House: Yuko Ohno (Japan)
+Gallery: Nobuyuki Hiramatsu (Japan)
Big Sky Mind: Ringo Bunoan (Philippine)
Substation: Audrey Wong (Singapore)
ITPark: director (Taiwan)
About Studio/About Café: Klaomard Yipintsoi (Thailand)
Korean Alternative Spaces: Kwan-hoon Lee (Korea)

Speech by:
Alternative Spaces Supporting Policy in Korea: Chan-dong Kim (Korea)

Day 2

Session 2: Globalism and Asian Art

The 20th century was for the Western world. Western values spread throughout the globe. Accordingly, Asian contemporary art idealized European-US aesthetic values and tried to follow them. Increased globalization and the institution of the international biennial system has exacerbated this situation. The biennial system began as an alternative to museology, but it has developed into a hegemonious, cultural imperialist. In this session, the independent curators will discuss the role and possibilities of alternative spaces within the art world.

Some questions: How can we overcome both occidentalism and orientalism? How can we imagine Asian culture without sinking into nationalism? How can we challenge the limits of Asian cultural identities in Western minds? Finally, we would like to explore the roles and potentials of Asian art in the international art world.

Moderator:
Chea-gab Yun ( Korea, Independent Curator, Director of Yellowsea Publication)

Speech Topics
1. Globalism and International Biennial System: Yukie Kamiya (Japan)
2. View of East Asian 3 Countries’ contemporary Art in 21st Century: Yuzo Ueda (Japan)
3. Potentialities of Asian Art and Function of Alternative Spaces in 21st Century: Chaitanya Sambrani (India)
4. Imagine Asian Culture: Li Xienting (China)

Discussion Topics
1. Discussion panels

All the topic speakers:
Tae-Man Choi (Korea, Director of Busan Biennial)
Sun-jung Kim (Korea, Former Director of Art Sonje Center)

2. 6 discussion panels will discuss the contents of session 2 on stage, and the participants of alternative spaces will also participate in the discussion. The discussion will be like a talk show and take 2 or 3 hours.

Day 3

Session 3: Asian Art and Journalism

The major trends of Western art have been introduced in Asian countries through the art press. The press has continuously viewed Asian art in a western context and internalized artists. Some questions for consideration: How can we clarify the ‘politics of minority’-upon identifying oneself as a majority power? What are the alternatives to this ideology? How can we critically examine these assimilatory writings and create a liberal text as Asians who have specific cultural selves. In the blurred world of globalism and Post-globalism, we wish to elevate the voices of Asian journalists who have been trying to read cultural aspects differently.

Moderator:
Boggi Kim (Korea, Chief Editor of Magazine Art in Culture)

Topic Speech:
1. Boundary of Asia as Cultural Geography: Franklin Sirmans (USA)
2. Western Eye on China Avant-garde: Pi Li (China)
3. Asian Journalism in the view of Post-Colonialism and Globalism: Kawade Eri (Japan)
4. Possibilities of Liberal Writing on Asian Art: Tetsuya Ozaki (Japan)

Topic Discussion
1. Discussion panels

All the topic speakers:
Jae-Sook, Jung (Korea, Art Journalist of Joong Ang Ilbo, The Newspaper)
Hyung-Suk Roh (Korea, Art Journalist of The HanKyereh Shinmun, The News Paper)
Chan-Kyoung Park (Korea, Forum A)

Session 4: Overall Discussion

Final discussion on all of the conference will be held on the last day. All the participants and spectators will discuss the conference and the topics of each session.

Moderator:
Jin-Suk Suh (Korea, Director of Alternative Space Loop)

Reviewer of Speeches:
Chea-gab Yun (Korea, Independent Curator, Director of Yellowsea Publication)