Choi Dae-ho, the mayor of Anyang, is continuing his cultural policy to connect citizens' daily lives with urban spaces through public art.
According to the city, the 8th Anyang Public Art Project (APAP8), hosted by Anyang City and organized by the Anyang Cultural Foundation, successfully opened on September 30 at the Wall Fountain in Anyang Art Park.
Under the theme 'Arte X: Artistic Transformation - Anyang's Utopia,' APAP8 will run until November 29 at various locations including Anyang Art Park, Anyang Pavilion, the Ogam Gallery in Arte Zai Shopping District, and the Open School in Hakun Park.
This year's project features 41 artists (or teams) from four countries, showcasing a variety of works in artificial intelligence (AI), media art, outdoor sculptures, and contemporary art from Korea and China.
During the opening ceremony, Mayor Choi stated, "Public art goes beyond simply erecting sculptures in the city; it connects spaces and people, transforming the thoughts of residents and enhancing their quality of life."
APAP8 utilizes the natural and urban spaces of Anyang as its exhibition venues.
At Anyang Art Park, outdoor sculptures and installations will be featured alongside the nighttime media art installation 'Night Utopia.'
'Night Utopia' includes the 308 Art Crew's 'Waterfall of Light' and 'Colorful Clouds,' which creatively illuminate the Wall Fountain and surrounding area using light, video, and sound.
The nighttime installations will be open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 7 PM to 10 PM. 'Waterfall of Light' will run for 15 minutes at the top of each hour, while 'Colorful Clouds' will be shown from 15 minutes past the hour until the next hour.
At Anyang Pavilion, an exhibition titled 'I Pavilion' focuses on artificial intelligence.
This exhibition explores the relationship between virtual and real, as well as between humans and technology, through media art and sculpture installations.
'Open Ground' will take place in the plaza in front of Anyang Pavilion, outdoors at Anyang Museum, and in the old 'Common Ground' area of Anyang Art Park, while a special exhibition of contemporary art from Korea and China titled 'The Utopia We Dream Of' will be held at the Ogam Gallery in Arte Zai Shopping District and the Open School in Hakun Park.
This project expands the exhibition space beyond Anyang Art Park to include citizens' living spaces, allowing for art to be encountered in everyday life.
All exhibitions are free to the public, and a free docent program will also be available.
From October 16 to November 6, a special tour called 'APAP8 Special Tour - Night' will be held every Friday at 7 PM, offering guided views of major outdoor works. The participation fee is 5,000 won.
Since its inception in 2005, APAP has showcased works by domestic and international artists throughout Anyang's forests, valleys, and urban areas, connecting citizens' daily lives with art. APAP8 aims to expand the realm of public art by integrating advanced technologies like AI and media, focusing on utilizing Anyang's urban spaces as cultural and artistic venues.
Meanwhile, Mayor Choi expressed hope that residents will experience a special transformation where ordinary daily life is filled with art during the 'Anyang Utopia' over the next two months.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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