Gangnam-gu '2022 Art Prize Gangnam' Opening Ceremony

[Seoul District News] Gangnam-gu to Exhibit 99 Selected Works at Nonhyeon-dong Furniture Street from 4th to 13th, Featuring Special Exhibition by Famous Artists and Group Docent Tours

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Gangnam-gu District Office (Mayor Seongmyeong Jo) will hold the comprehensive art competition "2022 Art Prize Gangnam" from the 4th to the 13th at Nonhyeon-dong Furniture Street (Nonhyeon Station to Hakdong Station).

This event, under the theme "Kind Coexistence to Protect the Earth," will exhibit 99 selected works including paintings, sculptures, and media art. Previously, 382 artists submitted 902 works for the competition, and after expert evaluation, 99 pieces were finally selected. The works will be displayed at a total of 15 locations including furniture stores, galleries, and themed halls along Nonhyeon-dong Furniture Street. During the exhibition period, professional judges will select one grand prize winner and four excellence awardees, and two audience favorite awards will be chosen through on-site voting.

As a special exhibition, visitors can appreciate works by famous artists such as Miyeong Song, Yuyeong Seo, Jeongbin Hwang, Trophy_J, and Jaehyun Nam, as well as special pieces by artists with developmental disabilities at six galleries around Nonhyeon Furniture Street. Eric Song’s works, known for metal junk art, will also be displayed outdoors.

The exhibition of competition and special exhibition works is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and group visits can be booked to receive guided tours by professional docents through the "Art & Surprise Tour."

Additionally, programs for local residents have been prepared. These include the "Art × Street Gallery," where the first Art Prize Gangnam winner and residents paint construction site barriers together; "Mission! Protect the Earth!," an outdoor escape game to enjoy the artworks in a fun way; and "Kind Coexistence Art Experience," an upcycling event using eco-bags and masks, among various other events.

Seongmyeong Jo, Mayor of Gangnam-gu, said, "The exhibited works embody the meaning of the competition theme 'Kind Coexistence to Protect the Earth,' and we expect the exhibition to foster empathy among visitors regarding environmental issues." He added, "We will strive to make Art Prize Gangnam not only invigorate the Nonhyeon-dong commercial district but also establish itself as a representative local festival."