The Drift of Apagi: The Way of Water, Wind, and Stars

The theme of 2024 4th Jeju Biennale, “Drift”, originated from a cultural anthropological and social anthropological examination of the phenomena of drifting, where various elements converge and disperse, and from a newfound empathy for nature and art. The keyword “Drift” encompasses social, cultural, and political issues as a whole. Jeju itself is an island with a history of drifting. Movement and migration through drifting have shaped Jeju’s unique ecological environment and identity. Under this concept, this exhibition encompasses the journey of civilization through drifting, the movement and migration of nature, culture, and art, and the ecosystem of survival and transformation.

The Drift of Apagi is a record of virtuality and imagination. According to the Nihon Shoki (Japanese Chronicles), in 661, Japanese envoys, while trading with the Tang Dynasty, drifted off course and arrived in Tamna (ancient Jeju). It is said that the Tamna prince, Apagi, accompanied them on their return to Japan. The fictional drifting of Apagi serves as a device to expand the narrative of Jeju’s identity.

Through the microcosmic language inherent to Jeju, the macrocosmic themes of drifting are visually concretized. Diverse elements shaped by drifting—nature, religion, culture, politics—are examined within the ecological environment of movement and survival at the boundary between chance and necessity, highlighting Jeju’s originality and identity. Furthermore, it presents a new discourse on universal agendas formed within an international context.

Jeju Island possesses a unique cultural landscape, formed through the coexistence and collision of southern cultures brought by the Kuroshio Current and northern cultures rooted in the Big Dipper mythology. The 2024 4th Jeju Biennale addresses these themes through diverse artworks and programs, offering visitors an opportunity to gain a fresh understanding and experience of Jeju’s history and culture.

By reinterpreting the multifaceted narratives born from the intersection of chance and necessity through the concept of “Drift”, the Biennale aims to provide new insights and inspiration. Just as accidental drifting contributed to shaping our civilization today, the 2024 4th Jeju Biennale, a contemporary art festival, seeks to create another ocean through encounters, collisions, and fusion within the realm of the sea.

6 Sections: 6 Islands

Unhanmoe
Inspired by “Hallasan”, meaning a mountain so high that it can pull the Milky Way, this newly coined term marks the beginning of Apagi’s voyage.

Newdi
Derived from a term meaning a place to row, “Newdi” represents the first chapter where Apagi rows out into the vast sea.

Sabadang
A term from old Korean meaning “Sa(Bird)”, and “Badang(Sea)”, referring to an isolated island. In the second chapter, Apagi encounters a storm during his voyage, leading him to drift ashore on a remote island, where he meets birds and nomadic people.

Canpart
A compound word derived from “Canopus”, an ancient term for the star, and “Quelpart”, a past Western name for Jeju Island. The star served as a guide for sailors and was believed to govern human lifespan. This chapter depicts Apagi’s inner maturation as he continues his voyage.

Nuuiwak
A combination of “Nu(wave)” and “Iwak(story)”, signifying an idealistic tale brought across the waves. This fourth chapter represents the utopian paradise that Apagi encounters during his drift.

Jageunte
As a Jeju term meaning storyteller, “Jageunte” presents an epilogue that reflects on the essence of our lives through the imaginary drift of the storyteller Apagi, who has never actually experienced drifting, conveying profound meanings of navigation and drifting.