Gwangju Artists Collective is entering new territory for its next exhibition, which starts Sunday.

Twelve artists will exhibit at the show, which organizer Doug Stuber describes as a salon exhibition.

The selection of art is eclectic, with media including ceramics, wooden sculpture, photography, film and painting.

“We had no theme and we had no prerequisites. It was really just to brin

something new and because of that it was bound to be widespread,” he said.

Stuber added that as the GAC had begun to meet less often, the exhibitions had become more meaningful.

“That’s why it’s a bit of a cramped show, but each artist will have between 250 and 300 wall centimeters to work with.”

This exhibition will be at the Jami Arts Center, a step forward from their usual shows at the Gwangju International Center.

“Our achievement is to show that an excellent exhibit of ex-patriot English teachers can be mounted outside the parameters of the one gallery in Gwangju set up for such purposes.”

“This is the first time they’ve had an all-Westerner show, so it was nice of them to take us on as an experiment.”

While he considers it a positive step to move beyond their usual space, it brings uncertainties.

“We’ll see what kind of crowd we can draw because it’s not on Art Street or any of the normal art centers in town,” said Stuber.

“It’s a little bit hard to find so that should be a test.”

While the content is varied, Stuber said some of it could be an eye opener for the gallery’s regulars.

“I think the theme will be quite contemporary and unusually graphic, meaning it could raise some eyebrows if regular Gwangjuvians happen by.”

This statement particularly refers to some of the graphic artists in the show, who Stuber says are likely to bring something new to the Gallery.

“Some of their work can be adult-oriented or sometimes very graphically violent so we’ll see what they come up with. If they come with their most edgy work, then that will definitely be a change,” he says.

“The Jami is one of five or six arts centers in Gwangju that are publicly funded. I’ve only seen five or 10 shows there but I haven’t seen anything that will challenge one’s sensibilities yet.”

“It looks like we might test the water somewhat. But that’s good. Art is supposed to be more than just another cute picture of a sunflower.”

The exhibition opening is 3-6 p.m. on May 19 at Jami Art Center in Gwangju and it runs until May 31. To get to the center, start at Buk-gu Office and take the road west toward Punghyang-ro. Turn first right, and the gallery is on the right.

By Paul Kerry (paulkerry@heraldcorp.com)