On September 5 in Seoul, a sweeping new edition of Kiaf SEOUL 2024 descends upon COEX, on view through September 8. More expansive than ever, activating both the main exhibition halls and new second-floor PLATZ realm, the international art fair brings a kaleidoscopic showcase of 206 global galleries.
This year’s spotlights include the second annual HIGHLIGHTS award, a multifaceted Talks Program in dynamic partnership with Frieze Seoul and Korea Arts Management Service (KAMS), as well as a must-see special exhibition titled Kiaf onSITE illuminating the nuanced connection between technology and humanity.
Far-reaching fair programming throughout South Korea with influential cultural collaborators like Gwangju Media Art Platform (G.MAP), Arts Council Korea (ARKO), and Seoul Metropolitan Government offers the singular dynamism of Kiaf SEOUL to a broad audience.
Sinead Breslin, 2023, Courtesy of the artist and Kiaf SEOUL.
A Parade of Booths Embrace Top Korean Art and International Galleries
With a central focus on offering the best and brightest in Korean art, Kiaf SEOUL 2024 boasts 130 domestic exhibitors. Artworks developed by iconic Korean visionaries such as Chun Kwang Young, Kim Whanki, Kim Tschang Yeul, and Park Seo-Bo, are placed in dialogue with cutting-edge creations my mid-career artists including Woo Kuk-won, Gwon Osang, and Toh Yun-hee.
Gems of the international art landscape are also displayed at the comprehensive fair. The Tokyo-based SNOW Contemporary unveils an inaugural show at Kiaf Seoul with groundbreaking digital artist David Stenbeck, where visitors will be submerged in photo-realistic vistas via the skillful use of Cinema 4D software.
Grip Face, “August Diary in the Heat Jungle,” Courtesy of the artist and Kiaf SEOUL.
Kiaf SOLO and PLUS Platforms Shine with Mesmeric Exhibitions
14 galleries shine within the Kiaf SOLO platform, and visitors will not want to miss Hong Kong-based WOAW Gallery’s mesmeric display of artist Charlie Roberts’ newest creations which intermesh the organic and the dreamlike in lyrical figures.
Kiaf PLUS is made up of 27 lively shows with emerging galleries and creatives, concentrating on the mastery of media. Newly enlarged for this year’s fair, unforgettable presentations abound. Seoul-based La Heen Gallery brings the breathtaking artistry of Jungin Kim, and a potent mediation on the enigma of memory will unfold.
Courtesy of Kiaf SEOUL.
The Vibrancy of the Kiaf HIGHLIGHTS Award and Kiaf onSITE Unfolds in Seoul
In its thrilling second year, the Kiaf HIGHLIGHTS Award will honor 10 emerging and mid-career visionaries. Within the effervescent theme of “New Discoveries & Fresh Encounters,” a revered jury has united seven Korean artists and three global creatives as virtuous semi-finalists, including Cheolgyu Kang of Arario Gallery (SEOUL), Eunjin Kim of KEUMSAN GALLERY (SEOUL), and Wonmi Seo of Laheen Gallery (SEOUL).
Masterfully curated by multimedia specialist Seungah Lee, the prestigious Director of Urban Art Lab Seoul, Kiaf onSITE: Invisible Transitions collages vast media art and experiential virtual reality encounters with seven Korean and international creatives. Three gripping categories: Changes in Technology, Changes in Experience, and Changes in Space, deeply investigates the art of human relationships in our swiftly evolving world.
Courtesy of Kiaf SEOUL.
Widespread Programming, a Vital Talks Program, and Collaboration with the 2024 Korea Arts Festival
Outside of COEX, Kiaf SEOUL 2024 sparks new thought and connection with a variety of programming. Alongside ARKO on 2024 ARKO Young Artists Day, the ARKO Center will bring visitors together with the energetic “Neo-Meta-Trans” event. Here, the complex beauty of Korean art thrives by way of archival exhibitions and notable conversations, with a meaningful performance by artist duo Jin Dallae & Park Woohyuk.
Mightily hosted with Frieze Seoul and KAMS, a three-day talks schedule at Studio 159 enhances the fair with insights among the industry’s cultural figureheads. Lin Han, founder of M WOODS Museum will join Josie Thaddeus-Johns, editor at Artsy, for a highly relevant talk on the current role of art fairs in our advancing society.
In a dazzling collaboration with the 2024 Korea Arts Festival, Kiaf SEOUL will welcome visitors into eminent art museums and cultural institutions across the nation for the Busan Biennale, the Gwangju Biennale, and the compelling Gallery Nights program to rejoice in exceptional cultural connection.
