Korea’s First and Leading Contemporary Art Fair, Kiaf Seoul, Energizes the City this September
On September 7 in South Korea, the Kiaf Seoul international art fair unveils its momentous 2023 edition at COEX, on view (alongside Frieze Seoul) through September 10. Founded by the Galleries Association of Korea in 2002, this year’s iteration serves as a platform for 210 galleries from across the globe—with over 130 galleries spotlighting Korea’s own artists. Not-to-be-missed events, including an immersive media arts exhibition, a new Kiaf Highlights emerging artist presentation, and an enriching Talks Program, welcome guests from throughout the world to participate in one of Asia’s flourishing contemporary art scene.
“We are honored and proud to contribute to the development of Seoul as an international hub for art and culture, in close partnership with our galleries, partner organizations, and the Korean government,” said President of the Galleries Association of Korea Dal-Seung Hwang. “As Korea’s leading art fair, Kiaf will once again serve as a platform to showcase outstanding artists from Korea and Asia, with a focus on forward-thinking and dynamic contemporary art. The world is eagerly anticipating Kiaf this September, and we look forward to welcoming our visitors here.”
Courtesy of Kiaf.
Galleries from Hong Kong to New York at Kiaf Seoul
Prominent Korean galleries returning to Kiaf Seoul this year include the capital’s own Gallery Hyundai, BHAK, Hakgojae Gallery, PYO Gallery, and PKM Gallery. The addition of international notables, such as Peres Projects of Berlin, Carvalho Park of New York, Carl Kostáyl of London, and Ora-Ora of Hong Kong sparks riveting conversation on the future of art and culture. Within the Kiaf Solo category, eight galleries debut solo artist exhibitions. Odds and Ends of Hong Kong displays the emotional masterpieces of Toronto-based visionary Peter Chan, who explores the human condition through vivid paintings. Denny Gallery of New York presents the rapturous scenes of Jessie Edelman, who’s floral patterns and colorful landscapes are an ode to human connection and nature’s bounty.
Courtesy of Kiaf.
New Categories Enliven Kiaf Seoul with Visionaries at the Forefront of the Art Industry
The latest addition to the fair, Kiaf Highlights, spotlights the cutting-edge creations of emerging and mid-career artists. A panel of industry leaders—such as Iain Robertson, Honorary Fellow at Sotheby’s Institute of Art, Bog-gi Kim, President of Art in Culture, and Jin-yup Kim, Chairman of Korea Art Critic Association—selected 20 artists for this distinguished category. Notables such as Jinu Nam of Space Willing N Dealing, Myungjin Kim of Gallery GAIA, Kota Nakamura of Mizoe Art Gallery, and Na Jeomsoo of The Page Gallery will engage in thoughtful interviews which will be published in Marie Claire Korea as well as on the fair’s website. Kiaf Plus returns after its 2022 debut with a sweeping celebration of new media artists. SARAHCROWN of New York presents the fantastical mixed media universe of Korean artist Eunjung Park, who’s sculptures, painting, and drawings evoke personal anecdotes of migration. Casper Kang of Gallery KUZO fuses psychedelic and traditional Asian art to produce stunning new age treasures.
Courtesy of Kiaf.
Experiential Programming and Dialogues Champion the Bright Future of New Media and K-Art
The fair’s inspiring special exhibition of media art, titled Gray Box Area: Space as an Event, features the artistry and skills of Studio Artech, Mooni Perry, Sungrok Choi, Joon Moon, and Seunghyo Jang. Co-curated by artist Jae-hyung Lee, a renowned researcher and planner of technology-mediated culture, and Dae-chan Heo, Editor-in-Chief of Aliceon, the presentation invokes a mechanism of software testing known as “Gray Box,” which allows the user’s experience to reign supreme. In this experiential event, two “Gray Box” spaces will allow guests to act as “testers,” evolving both the artworks and the reality of the encounter.
The compelling Talks Program, hosted in partnership with Korea Arts Management Service (KAMS) and Frieze Seoul, unites industry figureheads such as Eva Jäger, curator of Arts Technology at Serpentine, Seng Yu Jin, Senior Curator and Deputy Director of National Gallery Singapore, and artists Kim Inbai and Kim Heecheon for conversation on vital subjects including the impact of AI in art, new media collecting, and the future of K-Art.
Courtesy of Kiaf.
