Collaboration with Art Sonje Center, Introducing 11 Emerging Artists
Frieze Film Presented with Seoul Museum of Art
Talk Program Hosted in Partnership with Arts Council Korea
Ceramics Program Held with Print Bakery
The 4th edition of Frieze Seoul will take place from September 3 to 6, 2025, at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Over 120 galleries from more than 30 countries around the world will participate, presenting live art, performances, talks, and more.
This year's event is designed to highlight the diverse currents of Korean art, while also broadening the understanding of contemporary art through an international perspective that spans genres, regions, and generations. In addition to the main exhibition hall, various exhibition programs will be held throughout Seoul, offering a wide range of experiences for visitors.
Patrick Lee, Director of Frieze Seoul, stated, "This year's program aims to spotlight the depth and breadth of contemporary Korean art, while also incorporating a global perspective that expands existing viewpoints. From more immersive performances to cinematic narratives and critical discourse, Frieze Seoul 2025 will encapsulate artistic practices not only across Asia but also beyond."
The Frieze Live performance, part of 'Offsite 2: Eleven Episodes' curated by Art Sonje Center, will welcome audiences at COEX and various locations throughout Seoul from August 26 to October 26. Through the video, performance, sculpture, installation, and photography works of 11 teams of women and genderqueer artists who are drawing attention in the Korean art scene, the program will explore gender and queer narratives in a multi-layered way.
Related performances will also be held at venues such as Kukje Gallery K2 and Dosan Park, in addition to COEX. Notably, on September 3, Ya Gwang will perform at Dosan Park; on September 4, Jang Younghae at Kukje Gallery K2; on September 5, Lu Kim at the same venue; and on September 6, Haji Min at the alternative exhibition space '(Together)(Together)'.
This year, Frieze Film will present a special screening program on the rooftop of the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) in collaboration with the 13th Seoul Mediacity Biennale. The program will be open to the public from September 2 to 4, with a VIP opening event on September 1. This edition of Frieze Film will showcase works by renowned artists from around the world, focusing on pieces inspired by the occult, mysticism, and spiritual traditions. The program aims to offer a platform for exploring the transformative possibilities of moving images.
The Frieze Talks program, jointly hosted by Frieze Seoul, Kiaf Seoul, and the Arts Council Korea, will be held from September 4 to 6 at COEX Studio 159. The sessions will address key issues in today's international art scene. Topics will include the changing roles of galleries and foundations in the art market, queer Asian art and the politics of memory, and artist-led practices, reflecting current trends in the contemporary art world. Additional sessions and artist talks will cover participatory art practices in the context of social change, the growing influence of Korean artists and the art market, and the expanding possibilities of AI-based creative work.
Notable participants include Gabriel Ritter, Director of the Art, Design & Architecture Museum at UCSB; Zoe Butt, founder of the Intangible Institute; Lee Yongwoo, curator at Hong Kong Chu Mun University; artist Kim Sunghwan; artist Shin Wai Kin; and Kim Sungjung, Artistic Director of Art Sonje Center.
Jang Younghae 'I want to die because I want to touch Aono / I want to hold Aono so badly I could die' (2021) still cut. Courtesy of the artist / Frieze Seoul
This year's event takes a curator-driven approach to offer an international perspective on the dynamism of contemporary Korean art. In particular, the stage installation by Moon Kyungwon and Jeon Jooho will unfold gradually over the course of the fair, allowing visitors to experience visual changes and transformations in a unique way.
The Frieze x Print Bakery limited edition ceramics project, created in collaboration with UNICEF, will be unveiled for the first time at this fair. Each edition, featuring works by participating artists, will be produced in a limited run of 175 pieces, including a special edition of the Moon Jar. This project is designed to allow visitors to experience contemporary art while also supporting UNICEF's humanitarian activities.
From September 1 to 4, special evening events will be held in four areas of Seoul. The events are organized as Euljiro Night on September 1, Hannam Night on September 2, Cheongdam Night on September 3, and Samcheong Night on September 4. Major galleries in each area will participate and welcome visitors. This program aims to connect the artistic landscape across Seoul, enabling citizens and visitors to experience the city's cultural venues more intimately during Frieze Seoul.
Additionally, through collaboration between Frieze and the Arts Council Korea, ten major nonprofit and artist-run spaces across the country will be introduced. A digital map will be produced and distributed, aiming to support nonprofit art initiatives and expand cultural touchpoints nationwide beyond just Seoul.
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