Art Busan Opens May 12... 125 Domestic and International Galleries Participate

2021 Art Busan exhibition hall view.

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghyun Choi] Art Busan, now in its 11th year, will be held at BEXCO in Busan from May 12th with a VIP preview until the 15th.

Art Busan announced on the 17th that it has finalized the selection of 125 galleries from both domestic and international applicants who registered between November 8 and December 31 last year to participate in this year's event. Among them, 14 domestic galleries and 17 overseas galleries are participating for the first time.

Last year, Art Busan sold artworks worth 35 billion KRW. This was the highest sales record in the history of art fairs held in Korea until the Korea International Art Fair (KIAF) held in Seoul in October of the same year recorded sales of 65 billion KRW.

This year, 97 domestic galleries are participating. Major galleries such as Kukje Gallery, Gana Art, Gallery Hyundai, PKM, and Hakgojae have confirmed their participation. These galleries will participate with the largest booths (160㎡) at Art Busan to showcase contemporary artworks.

The participation of young galleries is also noteworthy. Representative examples include Gallery IARD, This Weekend Room, A Lounge, Space Willing and Dealing, Whistle, Gallery Planet, and Cylinder. Additionally, Ji Gallery, Gallery Stan, Gallery Giche, and Gallery Art Side have also confirmed their re-participation this year.

Twenty-eight overseas galleries will participate. Richard Gray Gallery is knocking on the door of domestic art fairs for the first time through this Art Busan. Perez Projects from Berlin, Germany, Tang Contemporary Art and Opera Gallery from Hong Kong, and Whitestone Gallery will also participate. Two Palms from New York, which is scheduled to open a branch in Seoul this year, is also expected to participate.

Art Busan has also begun full-scale preparations. An Art Busan official said, "We are planning special exhibitions (Experiments), which are the highlights of Art Busan, along with various programs," and added, "We will continue to release the list of participating galleries and detailed information."