Seoul Venue Spotlights Kim Changyeol and Chusu
Deoksugung Venue Explores Nostalgia for Hometown
Gwacheon Venue Highlights Modern and Contemporary Korean Art
Cheongju Venue Reflects on 20 Years of the Art Bank
The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) announced on August 20 that it has prepared a variety of programs, including exhibitions, an art market, and performances, at its four venues in Seoul, Gwacheon, Deoksugung, and Cheongju to coincide with the "2025 Korea Art Festival" in September.
MMCA Night. National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
On September 4, when "Samcheong Night" will be held, the MMCA Seoul venue will host the eco-friendly art market "MMCA Market" and the night-time performance "MMCA Night" in the museum courtyard. The outdoor space will feature a market with booths from more than 50 teams, offering everything from art books and handcrafted design items to agricultural products and food. There will also be participatory events such as talks on the architecture of the Seoul venue-one of Korea's leading contemporary art spaces-and sustainable gardening, as well as performances to light up the early autumn evening. The festival will be a feast for the senses all day long, with DJing by Yetsuby, performances by CIFIKA, known for her unique musical world, and the group jisokuryclub.
Seoul Venue Highlights Artists Kim Changyeol and Chusu
MMCA x LG OLED Series 2025-Autumn 'Agamon Encyclopedia: External Leak' Poster. National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
The Seoul venue will host a large-scale retrospective that explores the creative journey and worldview of Kim Changyeol, a leading figure in contemporary Korean art. The iconic Seoul Box exhibition space will feature the site-specific installation "MMCA x LG OLED Series 2025-Autumn: Agamon Encyclopedia: External Leak Version," showcasing the experimental spirit and future potential of contemporary art. Other exhibitions include "Artist of the Year 2025," featuring four prominent Korean artists expected to gain international attention through MMCA's annual mid-career artist support program, and "Highlights of Contemporary Korean Art," a permanent exhibition at MMCA Seoul featuring masterpieces of modern and contemporary Korean art. In addition to the exhibitions, the "MMCA Multidisciplinary Arts Showcase" will take place during two consecutive nights of extended hours on September 3 and 4, in collaboration with the Kyoto Experiment Festival, with events throughout the Seoul venue, including the MMCA Multidisciplinary Arts Space.
Deoksugung Venue Presents Nostalgia Exhibition
Exhibition poster for the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day, "Nostalgia, Longing for Hometown." National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
The Deoksugung venue is currently hosting the exhibition "Nostalgia, Longing for Hometown," commemorating the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day, which began in mid-August. The exhibition reflects on the profound meaning of liberation and presents more than 210 works by 85 leading modern and contemporary Korean painters and literary artists, including Oh Jiho, Lee Sangbeom, Lee Ungno, and Lee Inseong, focusing on the stylistic evolution of Korean art from modern landscape painting to contemporary styles infused with nostalgia.
Gwacheon Venue Sheds Light on Modern and Contemporary Korean Art
'Modern and Contemporary Art of Korea I, II' poster. National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
The Gwacheon venue has prepared a special program from September 2 to 5 for overseas curators and researchers specializing in Korean and Asian art. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the diversity and depth of Korean art through the permanent exhibitions "Modern and Contemporary Korean Art I, II," as well as by exploring spaces such as the Art Research Center, Art Library, and Outdoor Sculpture Park. In addition, as part of the "Young Korean Artists 2025" program, a conversation and performance with participating artist Song Yehwan will be held on September 5, along with a variety of weekly programs.
Cheongju Venue Looks Back on 20 Years of the Art Bank
Exhibition poster for the 20th anniversary of the Art Bank, "The Returned Future: Manifestation of Form and Thought." National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
The Cheongju venue will present the exhibition "The Returned Future: Manifestation of Form and Thought" in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Art Bank, featuring works by Kim Kirin, Kim Sooja, Kwak Hoon, Lee Kangso, Yun Hyongkeun, Junganghwa, and Jung Kwangyoung, among others, to showcase the Art Bank's two-decade history. In addition, the MMCA x CMOA Cheongju Project "Bunker: From Darkness to Light," held in collaboration with the Cheongju Museum of Art, will feature 10 teams of artists-including Silo Lab, Shin Hyungseop, Jeon Suchun, Lee Byungchan, Jang Minseung + Jung Jaeil, and Choi Wooram-who will attempt to transform everyday spaces into works of art.
During the highlight period of the art festival (September 1 to September 10), MMCA will offer free admission to all four venues, expanding opportunities for both the Korean public and international visitors to experience contemporary Korean art. Detailed information about the exhibitions and programs at all four venues will be available on the MMCA website in the future.
Kim Sunghee, Director of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, stated, "During the September art festival, when the world's art community turns its attention to Korea, we aim to showcase the value and appeal of Korean art to tourists, international artists, and art professionals visiting Korea, while also ensuring that local audiences can fully enjoy art culture. We will do our best to make this a festival for everyone."
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