3rd Freeze Seoul, Over 110 Galleries Participating
KIAF, 206 Galleries from 22 Countries Participating
South Korea's largest art fair, 'KIAF Seoul,' and the global art fair 'Frieze Seoul' will jointly open this September at COEX in Seoul.
On the morning of the 22nd, a joint press conference for the art fairs 'KIAF Seoul' and 'Frieze Seoul' 2024 was held at the Shilla Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. From the right, Patrick Lee, Director of Frieze Seoul, and Hwang Dalseong, President of the Gallery Association. [Photo by Yonhap News]
The Korea Gallery Association held a joint press conference for the '2024 KIAF Seoul·Frieze Seoul' at the Shilla Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 22nd, stating, "Under the theme of 'New Discoveries and Fresh Encounters,' galleries from around the world will gather to create an innovative stage for art."
This year, 'KIAF Seoul' will be held from September 4 to 8, and 'Frieze Seoul' from September 4 to 7 at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. An Su-yeon, the PR director of the Korea Gallery Association, explained, "This year, KIAF has completely redesigned the booth layout in collaboration with young architect Jang Yu-jin, expanding the space up to the second floor, 'The Platz,' allowing visitors to explore a variety of artworks as if exploring an art city."
Patrick Lee, director of Frieze Seoul, who attended the press conference, said, "We are pleased to bring together diverse and dynamic galleries and artists at Frieze Seoul this year," adding, "While highlighting Korea's deep and rich artistic cultural heritage, we will also present meaningful discourse between local and global art communities."
KIAF Seoul, 'New Discoveries and Fresh Encounters'... The Only Asian Expansion is in Korea
First, 'KIAF Seoul' will participate with 207 galleries from 22 countries across 4 continents under the theme 'New Discoveries and Fresh Encounters.' Among them, 132 are domestic galleries, with 16 from Japan and 6 from Taiwan participating in Asia. Previously, KIAF used only COEX Halls A and B for exhibitions, but this year, the space has been expanded, and through special exhibitions, it will showcase a wide range of contemporary art including large-scale installations, performances, and VR.
On the morning of the 22nd, the main programs of KIAF Seoul were introduced at the joint press conference for the art fairs 'KIAF Seoul' and 'Frieze Seoul' 2024, held at the Shilla Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]
The main section, the 'Gallery Section,' will feature 165 galleries with booths presenting various artworks such as paintings, sculptures, and installations. International Gallery will exhibit works by Korea’s first-generation female sculptor Kim Yoon-shin, and LEEAN Gallery will showcase Kim Taek-sang. Hakgojae will present diverse works by emerging artists like Ji Geun-wook and Park Kwang-soo, while Cho Hyun Gallery will feature works by Ahn Ji-san. Among overseas galleries, Spain’s Madrid-based Alvaro Burda Gallery will present works by the Danish artist group Superflex.
In the 'Solo Section,' 14 galleries will each hold solo exhibitions featuring one artist, and the 'Plus Section,' dedicated to galleries operating for less than 10 years, will introduce works mainly by emerging artists through 27 galleries.
On the 4th, the 'KIAF Highlight Award' will select three final candidate emerging artists and award each with a 10 million KRW creation grant.
The special exhibition 'KIAF Onsite' will introduce the most notable innovative works this year, curated by curator Lee Seung-ah, showcasing seven domestic and international artist teams. Compared to previous events, it features enriched content by complementing and organizing ▲changes in technology ▲changes in experience ▲changes in space.
On the morning of the 22nd, at the Shilla Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, Hwang Dalseong, chairman of the Gallery Association, is answering questions from the press at the joint press conference for the art fairs "KIAF Seoul" and "Frieze Seoul" 2024. On the right is Patrick Lee, director of Frieze Seoul. [Photo by Yonhap News]
'Changes in Technology' introduces installation works that discuss the essence of humanity in light of technological advancements, demanding new awareness and reflection. 'Changes in Experience' presents experimental performances through visual communication, and 'Changes in Space' invites viewers to observe various life forms coexisting in ecosystems and contemplate the futuristic 'symbiotic relationships' in virtual spaces.
The special exhibition themed 'Invisible Turning Points' will feature seven domestic and international artists including Yang Min-ha, Choi Won-jung, Jin & Park, Kat Austin, and Winslow Porter, presenting media art, installations, and performances.
Although the space has expanded, the number of participating galleries has decreased. Hwang Dal-seong, president of the Korea Gallery Association, emphasized, "We reduced the number of participating galleries by applying stricter screening," adding, "We increased the proportion of non-member participants as well as members, and while the proportion of overseas galleries remains similar, Korea is the only country that has expanded its scale compared to art fairs in Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, and Hong Kong."
On the morning of the 22nd, at the Shilla Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, Patrick Lee, Director of Frieze Seoul, is introducing 'Frieze Seoul' at the joint press conference for the art fairs 'KIAF Seoul' and 'Frieze Seoul' 2024. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Frieze Seoul Highlights Works by 'Korean Art Masters' Across Generations
'Frieze Seoul' will feature 112 galleries from 30 countries worldwide. The main section includes over 80 galleries, including the world's largest galleries such as Gagosian, Hauser & Wirth, Lehmann Maupin, Pace Gallery, Thaddaeus Ropac, David Zwirner, Spr?th Magers, and White Cube. Domestic galleries such as Arario Gallery, Gallery Hyundai, Cho Hyun Gallery, International Gallery, PKM Gallery, and Gallery Baton will also have booths. Baek Art is participating in Frieze for the first time through Stone Island's emerging gallery sponsorship program.
This year, 'Frieze Seoul' will present exhibitions exploring works by Korean art masters spanning generations. It will highlight the cultural heritage and ongoing significance left by Korean art legends such as Jeon Junho, Lee Bul, Lee Kang-seung, Lee Mirae, Lee Ufan, Nam June Paik, Park Seo-bo, Park Young-sook, Seo Do-ho, and Yang Hye-kyu. Through these exhibitions, it aims to provide a special opportunity to appreciate the rich artistic context of Korean art, from pioneers to innovators leading the contemporary art scene.
The 'Frieze Masters' section, introducing major masterpieces from ancient art to the late 20th century, also draws attention. Unlike last year, it is characterized by a focus on Asian galleries. Hakgojae will introduce seven representative artists of modern and contemporary Korean art including Byun Wol-ryong, Jung Chang-seop, Kim Whanki, Lee Jun, Nam June Paik, Park Young-ha, and Ryu Kyung-chae. Uson Gallery will hold a solo exhibition re-examining the 1977 exhibition of first-generation female artist Lee Myung-mi. The newly launched performance-focused exhibition 'Frieze Live' will feature seven artists meeting audiences through five performances.
On the morning of the 22nd, at the Shilla Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, Patrick Lee, Director of Frieze Seoul, is answering questions from the press at the joint press conference for the art fairs 'KIAF Seoul' and 'Frieze Seoul' 2024. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Patrick Lee, director of Frieze Seoul, explained, "About 63% of the galleries participating in Frieze this year have branches in Asia, and 23 galleries are participating in Frieze for the first time, many of which are holding their first exhibitions in Seoul," adding, "This shows the growing reputation of Frieze Seoul."
On the day, both KIAF and Frieze expressed their intention to continue joint hosting even after their contract ends in 2027.
President Hwang Dal-seong said, "To expand KIAF overseas, we have decided to participate in Expo Chicago, operated by Frieze, next April," adding, "We plan to continue the cooperative system with Frieze." Director Patrick Lee also said, "(The joint hosting) benefits both sides, and we want to maintain a good relationship."
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