Centre Pompidou Hanwha Opens in Seoul, Aims to Promote Korean Art Globally
A new cultural venue opened in Seoul on June 4 through a partnership between the Centre Pompidou and the Hanwha Foundation for Culture. The project drew protests from artists over Hanwha's defense industry ties.
Le MondeThe Centre Pompidou Hanwha opened its doors on June 4 on Yeouido Island in Seoul. The venue sits at the heart of the city's financial district and features an elegant white façade designed by French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte. " The partnership between the Centre Pompidou and the Hanwha Foundation for Culture aims to present Korean art to the world and support extraordinary Korean artists.
Hanwha was established in the 1950s to produce dynamite and bombs. The conglomerate now manufactures anti-drone lasers, warships and armored vehicles, and has worked with Israeli defense companies Elbit Systems and Elta Systems since 2021. A demonstration by pro-Palestinian activists took place on May 19, the day the Centre Pompidou was presented to the press.
Over 100 artists signed an opinion piece in Libération protesting the collaboration. Signatories included Lili Reynaud-Dewar, winner of the 2021 Marcel Duchamp Prize; Ariella Aïsha Azoulay, a Jewish academic of Algerian-Palestinian descent; and Ali Cherri, a Franco-Lebanese artist and filmmaker.
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