The Gwangju Biennale, a prestigious international art festival held biennially in South Korea, has announced its theme for the 2023 exhibition as a verse by the renowned poet Rainer Maria Rilke, translating to 'You must change your life.' This verse, which reflects Rilke's response to the ancient Greek statue of Apollo and the transformations it invokes, serves as a philosophical backdrop for the festival that will take place from September 5 to November 15. The decision to focus on this poetic theme was revealed during a press conference attended by key figures such as the Biennale's director and notable artist Ho Tsu-Nien. The theme is intended to inspire a re-examination of how art can enable personal and societal transformation amidst the various crises faced today.

Additionally, the festival’s artistic director highlighted that while Rilke's statement may sound like a directive, it also presents an open-ended question about how one should change, encouraging audiences to engage actively in the process of transformation. This year’s exhibition framework revolves around essential keywords such as 'change' and 'practice,' with a focus on the historical context of Gwangju's democratic movements, particularly the Gwangju Uprising of 1980. This historical backdrop serves to ground contemporary discussions of change in a concrete narrative of struggle and resilience.

The Biennale aims to create an experiential journey wherein visitors can explore the many scales and tempos of change, drawing connections between past and present. According to the artistic director, the lessons of Gwangju’s fight for democracy resonate globally and remain deeply relevant, making the city an ideal landscape for questioning and manifesting change. The festival promises to spotlight the dynamic interplay between art, society, and the enduring quest for transformation in the face of pressing contemporary issues. It calls for collective engagement in a creative reclamation of agency and emphasizes that change is not merely theoretical but an active historical force in Gwangju’s continuing narrative.