The day finally arrived—it was time to fly. But, as with most big adventures, it wasn’t without its hurdles. From a delayed flight to almost losing my phone at airport security, and enduring menstrual cramps on a six-hour flight, the journey was a test of patience. We took a late-night flight from KLIA via Batik Air, landing at Incheon Airport at 6 a.m. the next day. The flight itself was smooth, but a six-hour layover in Seoul awaited us before we boarded another flight from Gimpo to Jeju-do.
Jeju greeted us with wind and rain, but thankfully, the team arrived safely. Representing Malaysia at this year’s Biennale are Pangrok Sulap and James Seet. We were warmly welcomed by the Jeju Biennale team: Mr Song Junyoung, Ms Lee Yuri, and Mr Kang Jeauk.
A little backstory—Mr Kang and I go way back, having first met nearly five years ago at the Suwon Photo Festival in Suwon-si. When he called me in May to invite me to be part of the Biennale, I was over the moon. After meeting the Jeju team online and hearing about this year’s theme and plans, I knew I had to find Malaysian artists who perfectly fit the brief.
The preliminary work began in mid-May, involving meticulous research to identify artists whose narratives, portfolios, experience, and aesthetics aligned with the Biennale’s vision. Out of a list of 20 Malaysian artists, only two were selected.
From then until the day we departed for Jeju, discussions between the Malaysian and Jeju teams were constant. Every detail needed attention: the exhibition location, art placement, material requirements, research processes, and even the artists’ statements. On top of that, I took on the challenge of writing sponsorship proposals to fund the trip. (Thank you, Malaysia National Art Gallery, for your generous contribution!) It was a whirlwind, but every small effort mattered.
This journey has been an incredible learning curve from the very start. I’ve had the privilege of receiving guidance from those with invaluable international experience, and for that, I’m deeply grateful.
Now, we’re finally settling into our home for the month in Jeju-do: the charming Jeoumugil Minbak in Bonggae, Jeju-si. This marks the beginning of what promises to be a transformative chapter, and I can’t wait to share more of it with you.
#4thJejuBiennale
#JejuMuseumofArt
#아파기표류기
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