Collectors, Art Enthusiasts, and Business Figures Stir Excitement After VIP Reveal
Hakgojae Highlights Artist Kim Hyunsik... Kim Jaeyong's Works Gain Popularity
Johyun Gallery Draws Attention with Lee Bae's Artworks
[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] The viewing craze for Korea's largest art fair, the Korea International Art Fair (KIAF·Kiaf), and the global art fair Frieze's 'Frieze Seoul' shows no signs of cooling down.
The exhibition hall, first opened to VIPs on the 2nd, was heated up by the enthusiastic attendance of collectors, art lovers, and business circles. The Kiaf exhibition hall was bustling with a diverse age range, from the MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z) to middle-aged and senior visitors in their 50s and 60s.
A notable VIP that day was Sohn Kyung-shik, chairman of the Korea Employers Federation (KEF). Chairman Sohn spent a long time observing a work by Jackson Sim with his wife. Jackson Sim is an artist who uses characters from popular media as subjects to convey social satire messages, attracting attention from the MZ generation.
When the reporter asked if he liked Jackson Sim's work, he replied, "I came to see the works at the Kiaf exhibition hall."
Chairman Sohn also showed interest in works by artist Sung Tae-jin. Sung Tae-jin is famous as the creator of 'Taekwon V.' His works, which humorously depict former heroes who have become unemployed, resonated with the MZ generation living challenging lives despite high qualifications, dealing with job hunting and irregular employment.
The booth of Igiligu Gallery, which exhibited works loved by the MZ generation including Sung Tae-jin, Yoo Hyun-kyung, and Quaya, was particularly popular among young collectors. A VIP visitor in their 30s actively showed interest by asking Sung Tae-jin, "May I take a photo with you, artist? Please give me your business card," showing keen attention to both the works and the artist.
Leading domestic galleries also welcomed VIP visitors with works spanning all age groups for Kiaf. Hakgojae prominently featured works by artist Kim Hyun-sik. The series 'Hyeon (玄)' contains the artist's questions about 'space' that transcends color. When looking at the work, one is drawn into the space between the lines repeatedly created on resin.
When viewed from the side, unlike a canvas, the edges are tilted at 23.5 degrees. To the reporter who showed interest, Kim Hyun-sik explained, "I made the tilt at 23.5 degrees, which is the Earth's axial tilt," adding, "Because of the invisible axis of rotation, the length of day and night changes and seasons change, greatly affecting our lives."
The work began with questions about things that greatly affect us but cannot actually be seen (existence). Kim Hyun-sik's works transcend the boundaries between painting and sculpture, leading viewers into an abyss with no end in sight.
Artist Kim Jae-yong's work 'Now I Like Pink' was mostly sold within about three hours of the VIP preview. Many people took commemorative photos in front of his work, showing its popularity.
Johyun Gallery captured VIP attention with works by artist Lee Bae. Known as the 'charcoal artist,' Lee Bae's work prices have risen 4 to 10 times in the past 2 to 3 years from the previous range of 10 to 30 million KRW, drawing attention at auctions.
Interest from the MZ generation grew after it became known that BTS member RM owns the work 'From Fire.' Lee Bae also showcased works at the 'Saint Laurent' booth at Frieze Seoul, confirming his status as a leading artist.
Additionally, works by Park Seo-bo and Kang Kang-hoon were exhibited, attracting visitors' attention.
Meanwhile, Kiaf runs until September 6, and Frieze Seoul until September 5.
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