175 Galleries to Join Kiaf, September 3-7
Pursuing Joint Growth in the Art World under the Theme of "Coexistence"
Number of Galleries Reduced... "Quality Enhanced through Rigorous Screening"
Frieze, September 3-6
Focus on East Asian and Korean Modern & Contemporary Art
LG OLED Lounge and Special Exhibition of Seobo Park
Future Kiaf x Frieze Collaboration "Under Positive Review"
'Kiaf SEOUL 2025,' the largest art fair in Korea, now in its 24th edition, will be held at COEX in Seoul from September 3 to 7 under the theme of "Coexistence." 'Frieze Seoul 2025' will also take place at the same venue from September 3 to 6. This year, both art fairs are focusing on Korea's modern and contemporary art.
Patrick Lee, director of Freeze Seoul, is speaking at a press conference held at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul on the morning of the 19th. Photo by Seo Mideum
175 Galleries to Participate in Kiaf, Down 38% from Last Year... "Strict Screening for Selection"
Kiaf will feature 175 galleries from around 20 countries. The organizers stated that they implemented a rigorous screening process to enhance the quality of exhibition content. As a result, the number of participating galleries has decreased by 38% compared to last year's 282. Lee Sunghoon, president of the Korea Gallery Association, which organizes Kiaf, explained at a press conference held at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul on the 19th, "We have achieved a certain level of external growth, and this year there was a consensus to hold an art fair with genuine quality." He added, "Instead of selecting a large number of domestic and international galleries, we have greatly expanded amenities such as rest areas to improve convenience for visitors." Kim Jeongsook, PR director of the Korea Gallery Association, said, "Kiaf, with its 24-year history, is a fair created by the Gallery Association, so it took a lot of time to persuade member galleries to participate selectively." She continued, "However, it is true that member galleries have deeply considered their competitiveness after observing Frieze. As a result, we reached a consensus on qualitative improvement."
This year, Kiaf has adopted the theme of "Coexistence" for the first time. President Lee said, "This is the first time we have set a theme. In light of numerous political issues and economic challenges, we chose the theme after considering how to overcome such difficulties." He explained, "It reflects the intention for all stakeholders in the art world-artists, galleries, and local communities-to grow together."
"Discovering Korean Modern and Contemporary Art... Introducing Korean Artists Abroad"
Major galleries participating in Kiaf include Gana Art, Gallery Hyundai, Kukje Gallery, Sun Gallery, Pyo Gallery, Johyun Gallery, Wooson Gallery, Hakgojae, Woong Gallery, and BHAK. President Lee pointed to the "rediscovery and reevaluation of Korean modern and contemporary art" as a key differentiator from Frieze. He said, "The biggest difference with Frieze is that Kiaf discovers and promotes Korean modern and contemporary art to the world," adding, "Rather than bringing in famous foreign artists, we are making efforts to introduce Korean artists abroad."
Samter Gallery, which has contributed to the internationalization of Korean contemporary art, will present the recent Myobeop series by Seobo Park, a master of Dansaekhwa and a major figure in Korean art history, showcasing a formative world that combines materiality and Eastern philosophy. Pyo Gallery will feature works by Changyeol Kim, expressing existence, disappearance, and meditative depth through the symbolic motif of water droplets. Johyun Gallery will unveil new works by Kim Taek Sang, a leading abstract artist in Korea.
Art Talk Program to Be Held
Kiaf, the Arts Management Support Center, and Frieze will jointly host a talk program. By inviting key figures from the domestic and international art scenes, the program aims to share core issues of contemporary art and foster new discourse through connections with the Korean art world. From September 4 to 6, topics will include "Queer Asian Art," "Emerging Galleries in Seoul and the Contemporary Art Ecosystem," and "The Status of the Korean Art Market from an International Perspective."
Frieze Highlights Discourse on Contemporary Asian Art
This year, Frieze will feature 120 galleries from around the world, focusing on the expanding discourse of contemporary Asian art. Covering all of Asia-including Japan, Taiwan, China, Indonesia, and Thailand-Frieze will also prominently feature Korean modern and contemporary art. The fair will provide a comprehensive look at the works of Korean art masters such as Nam June Paik, Whanki Kim, and Park Sookeun, as well as contemporary artists including Duk Kim, Lee Mirae, Choo Mirim, Lim Youngjoo, and Lee Bul. The "Frieze Masters" section will highlight overlooked narratives from around the world in a multi-layered way, while "Focus Asia" will spotlight ten emerging artists from across Asia.
Frieze to Host LG OLED Lounge... Special Exhibition of Seobo Park
A lounge sponsored by headline partner LG OLED will feature a special exhibition of Seobo Park, a pioneer of Korean Dansaekhwa. Through LG OLED, Park's representative works will be reinterpreted in a contemporary manner. The exhibition will trace his artistic evolution, from early monochrome works to later color series inspired by nature, exploring his philosophy of harmony between meditation and nature.
Patrick Lee, director of Frieze Seoul, said, "This year, more than 120 galleries from 28 countries are participating. Most are Asian galleries, and the increase in Korean gallery participation is evidence of Korea's rising cultural recognition." He added, "This year's event will be held from an international perspective. We will do our best to serve as a platform that connects with audiences who appreciate great art and true value."
This marks the fourth year of the joint hosting of Kiaf and Frieze. Regarding the continuation of their partnership, both sides stated, "Nothing has been decided yet, but we are reviewing it positively."
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