The largest event in the Korean art scene, the international art fair Frieze Seoul, kicked off today (the 3rd) at COEX in Seoul, starting with a VIP preview.
The opening ceremony was attended by Kim Hye-kyung, the wife of President Lee Jae-myung; Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon; Kim Young-soo, the first Vice Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism; KIAF Organizing Chairman Koo Ja-yeol; Frieze CEO Simon Fox; Chairman Lee Sung-hoon of the Galleries Association of Korea; and KB Financial Group Chairman Yang Jong-hee.
Mrs. Kim showed interest by exploring the KIAF and Frieze booths with VIP attendees for over an hour.
Chairman Koo Ja-yeol, in his opening remarks, said, “Seoul has firmly established itself as a critical axis of the global art market,” adding, “The current situation where numerous collectors and art officials from home and abroad visit Seoul is a result of the trust and potential we have built together.”
Started in 2022 and now in its fourth year, Frieze saw participation from over 120 domestic and international galleries this year, up from 110 last year.
The world’s largest gallery, Gagosian, drew attention by showcasing a large work by Takashi Murakami composed of four panels. David Zwirner Gallery captivated visitors with works by Wolfgang Tillmans, while Gladstone Gallery presented large paintings by Ugo Rondinone.
Many domestic galleries also participated. Kukje Gallery showcased Ha Chong-hyun’s ‘Conjunction’ series, Hakgojae presented works by Kim Whanki, and Wooson Gallery set up a booth featuring works by the abstract artist Choi Sang-chul.
The Korean International Art Fair (KIAF), organized by the Galleries Association of Korea, also opened today. This year, KIAF has 175 domestic galleries participating, down from 206 last year.
[Photo Credit: Yonhap News]
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