Follies to test the potential of public space

In the past, the Folly project has been staged as part of the Gwangju Design Biennale, but this year it is being presented for the first time as a stand-alone event. Curated by Nikolaus Hirsch (director), Philipp Misselwitz and Eui Young Chan (curators), Gwangju Folly II uses the ambiguities of the folly as a tool of enquiry to address the condition of public space. Eight follies (some moving targets on the metro or a moving hotel) have been commissioned from artists/architects including Ai Weiwei, Raqs Media Collective, Rem Koolhaas, Do Ho Suh and Superflex
Image: Do Ho Suh and Suh Architects, In Between Hotel, Gwangju Folly II

Gwangju presents a series of new follies in urban space

Previously conceived of and presented as an integral part of the Gwangju Design Biennale, the second edition of the Gwangju Folly Project will be held as an independent event this year. Nikolaus Hirsch (director), Philipp Misselwitz and Eui Young Chun (curators) have developed a curatorial approach for the event, which uses the folly as a tool of enquiry to address the potential of public space today - in contemporary Gwangju and globally.

Gwangju Folly II will commission new works from architects, artists, collectives and writers including: David Adjaye & Taiye Selasi, Ai Weiwei, Seok Hong Go & Mihee Kim, Rem Koolhaas & Ingo Niermann, Raqs Media Collective, Do-HoSuh, Superflex and Eyal Weizman.

2012 Gwangju Folly Project

Nikolaus Hirsch, curator and director of Stadelschule and Portikus, has been selected as the General Director of the 2012 Gwangju Folly Project. When asked about the curatorial direction for this year's Project, Hirsch said he will focus on "creating a discussion that is architectural, aesthetic, and artistic while at the same time communicating with the Gwangju citizens and reflecting the unique characteristics of Gwangju.

Established in 2011 for the urban rejuvenation of Gwangju, the Folly Project has been recognised as a new type of public design that can communicate with pedestrians as well as with the surrounding environment. As the original eleven works created for the first edition of the event have met with popular and critical acclaim, they have created a platform for Gwangju as a new city of design. Read more...
Image: Francisco Sanin's Folly built for Gwangju Design Biennale's 2011 Folly Project