Pohang Global Expedition ... 'International Art Fair 2022' Sailing Smoothly

Historic Turkey Istanbul Art Exchange Exhibition Successfully Concluded

Seoul Insadong · Pohang Lahan Hotel Exhibition · Live Commerce

Pohang Art Fair 2022 Exhibition Poster.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Dongguk Lee] The ‘Pohang International Art Fair 2022’ in Pohang City, Gyeongbuk Province, has been progressing smoothly over a two-month journey since its opening on August 22 in Istanbul, Turkey.

The Pohang International Art Fair 2022, under the theme of ‘Connection,’ is a meaningful event hosted by Gyeongbuk Province and Pohang City, organized by the Art Pohang Steering Committee, and supported by the Northeast Asian Regional Authorities Alliance (NEAR) Secretariat, POSCO, the Pohang Federation of Arts and Culture Organizations, and the Pohang Art Association.

The first event of the fair was an art exchange exhibition held in Istanbul, Turkey, from August 22 to 27 for six days. The Art Pohang Steering Committee planned this exhibition jointly with Pohang City, the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Istanbul, the Beyo?lu District Office of Istanbul, and the Turkey-Korea Cultural Exchange Association to commemorate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The art exchange exhibition held at the Istanbul Istiklal Art Gallery was made more meaningful by the participation of renowned artists representing Turkey and Pohang.

The global journey of Pohang International Art Fair 2022, the cultural and artistic city of Pohang, is underway smoothly.

From Turkey, seven artists including ‘Aydın Ayan,’ a representative Turkish painter who formerly served as the vice president of the historic Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, showcased their works. From Korea, many artists from Pohang, including Ryu Young-jae, president of the Pohang Federation of Arts and Culture Organizations, participated.

Works by about 20 Korean artists who gained recognition through previous participation in the Pohang International Art Fair were exhibited at this art exchange exhibition, reflecting the rising prestige of the Pohang International Art Fair.

The Istiklal Art Gallery, the venue for the art exchange exhibition, was provided free of charge by the Beyo?lu District Office, a co-host of the event. The gallery is located on Istiklal Street, a bustling area in Istanbul known for its historic significance as the site of many European consulates. The exhibition attracted congratulations from key figures such as the Istanbul Deputy Governor, Beyo?lu District Mayor, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Istanbul, and the President of the Turkey-Korea Parliamentary Friendship Association, as well as numerous local visitors.

Istanbul, which served as the capital of three empires?the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Turkish Empires?for 1,200 years, is also a familiar city to residents of Gyeongbuk Province and Pohang City, having co-hosted the World Cultural Expo with Gyeongbuk Province in 2013.

Through this art exchange exhibition, the city introduced Pohang and Korean artists to the global city of Istanbul and elevated Pohang’s art culture to an international level by exhibiting and exchanging works with local Turkish artists. Diverse exhibitions are scheduled to be held in Seoul and Pohang in October.

From October 6 to 8, the ‘Pohang International Art Fair 2022’ will take place over three days at the Lahan Hotel in Pohang. The fair is held annually to enhance Pohang’s image as a cultural and artistic city, revitalize the local art market, and expand the base of culture and arts.

Last year’s ‘Pohang Art Fair 2021,’ planned as a substantial cultural event centered on the Art Pohang Steering Committee established in 2017, showcased over 700 works from 11 countries to citizens despite the COVID-19 situation, steadily establishing its position each year.

The exhibition held from October 5 to 11 at the Insadong Exhibition Hall in Seoul will feature street exhibitions via digital billboards, and participating artists of the Pohang Art Fair 2022 will engage in live commerce and talk shows to promote the event, with various entertaining exhibition events also planned.

Jang Mi-hwa, Chairperson of the Art Pohang Steering Committee, said, “Through this ‘Pohang International Art Fair 2022,’ we hope that Pohang’s excellent artists and artworks will develop globally beyond Korea,” and added, “We ask for the interest and support of Pohang citizens and Gyeongbuk residents.”