Early and Large-Scale Folding-Screen Works by Kim Changyeol to Be Offered... Seoul Auction’s 190th Sale Worth 8.4 Billion Won

143 Modern, Contemporary, and Classical Works to Be Offered
To Be Held on February 26 at the Gangnam Center in Sinsa-dong

Seoul Auction, a domestic auction house, announced on February 13 that it will hold the "190th Art Auction" on February 26 at its Gangnam Center in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. A total of 143 lots spanning the modern and contemporary art, classical art, and luxury sections will be offered, with a combined low estimate of approximately 8.4 billion won.

Kim Changyeol 'Sunflower', oil on canvas, 43.2 x 116.3 cm, 1955, Photo by Seoul Auction

The most notable works in this auction are Kim Changyeol’s early painting “Sunflower” and his large-scale folding-screen work “Return.” “Sunflower,” painted in 1955, is a rare piece that shows his style before his iconic Waterdrop series, revealing his formal experimentation in the stage prior to his shift toward Art Informel. The work was first released to the public through a retrospective at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art last year.

“Return,” offered alongside it, is a large folding-screen work created in 1996, in which rough black strokes and transparent waterdrops form a contrast and build density across the surface. The folding-screen format extends these formal elements into a continuous space and distinguishes the work from his other “Return” series that focus on text. In addition, the sale will feature Dansaekhwa works by Jung Sanghwa, “Dialogue” by Lee Ufan, and pieces by Lee Jungseop, Chang Ucchin, and Choi Youngrim, artists who represent the history of Korean modern and contemporary art.

Chung Sanghwa 'Untitled 07-3-15', acrylic on canvas, 72.8×91cm(30), 2007. Photo by Seoul Auction

In the classical art section, works of high documentary value, mainly paintings and calligraphy, will be presented. “Jangyanguryeopdo” by Giya Lee Bangun is a large-scale hunting scene based on a Chinese historical anecdote, and even among Lee Bangun’s oeuvre, it is a rarely seen hunting painting iconography. An 18th-century painting album including works by Danwon Kim Hongdo, and a photo album depicting the state funeral of Royal Noble Consort Sunheon, carry historical significance as visual records of royal court rituals in the modern era.

The auction will take place at 4 p.m. on February 26 at Seoul Auction’s Gangnam Center. The preview exhibition will be held at the same venue through February 26, and admission is free.