Nestled in the heart of Incheon, Paradise City stands as a beacon of culture and luxury, seamlessly blending art, entertainment, and opulence. Renowned for its vibrant ambiance and world-class facilities, this cultural hub has become a magnet for artists, celebrities, and art lovers from across the globe. Paradise City became the ultimate hotspot during Paradise Art Night, an electrifying highlight of the 3rd edition of Frieze Seoul. The night brimmed with creativity and innovation, offering an immersive experience where art and culture flourished together.
Artist Josh Sperling Defies Boundaries and Invites Introspection
Kicking off the evening was the Wonder exhibition by Josh Sperling, a masterful display of abstract art that set the tone for an unforgettable night. Known for his unique style, Sperling’s work is celebrated for its bold, sinuous forms and vibrant palettes, which transform any space into a kaleidoscope of color and emotion. As visitors stepped into the gallery, they were immediately enveloped in a world where art defied conventional boundaries, each piece inviting introspection and sparking curiosity.
Courtesy of Chanel and Pharrell Williams.
An Auction with Pharrell Williams and G-Dragon Unveils Custom Treasures by Rick Owens and More
Attention soon shifted to the seated dinner and auction, a collaboration between Pharrell Williams‘ JOOPITER and G-Dragon. The auction spotlighted G-Dragon’s illustrious career, showcasing a selection of his personal treasures. Among the standout pieces was a custom jacket by Rick Owens, famously worn during G-Dragon’s ACT III, M.O.T.T.E world tour. A pair of sneakers designed by Virgil Abloh also captured attention, merging street culture with high fashion. Another highlight of the auction was from the Chanel x Pharrell Williams SS 2019 collection, a teal lambskin fanny pack hand painted by G-Dragon, and first worn at the Para-noise pop-up in Hannam-dong.
Next up was a custom repurposed vintage directors chair used during G-Dragon’s Act III: M.O.T.T.E World Tour, and can be seen during his Spring-Summer-Fall-Winter video. This chair was often considered the throne of G-Dragon, arguably one of the most significant constants in G-Dragon’s tour life, and therefore, a very important piece in G-Dragon’s musical history. Adding to the allure was a custom made one-of-one gold microphone that G-Dragon used when performing on stage during the 2014 BIGBANG Dome Tour and on the MAMA stage.
Courtesy of Gwon Osang.
Courtesy of G-Dragon.
Original Artwork by G-Dragon with Private Collection Pieces, Including Robert Rauschenberg Paintings
More than memorabilia, the auction consisted of original art painted by G-Dragon and later used for his album covers, his website, etc. as well as art from G-Dragon’s private collection including Gwon Osang’s sculpture, Untitled: G-Dragon, A Space of No Name. Exhibited at the V&A Museum in London and PEACEMINUSONE store in Seoul, this work represents the story of Lucifer and the archangel from G-Dragon’s neck tattoo.
Robert Rauschenberg was a huge influence on G-Dragon’s own artwork and in the auction was Limb-Lock from the series, Urban Bourbon, a series of paintings comprised of silkscreened images drawn from Rauschenberg’s own photographs, expressionistic brushstrokes, and often poured or flung paint, in vivid acrylic colors, on enameled, mirrored, and anodized aluminum.
Courtesy of Robert Rauschenberg.
The Glitterati Gathers at Chroma’s After-Party
As the auction came to a close, guests filtered into the after-party at Chroma, Paradise’s after hours club. An electrifying mix of renowned artists, celebrities, and influencers from film, art, fashion, and music, were treated to star-studded DJ lineup. The dance floor was already bumping with all of the Frieze VIP guests that were not present at dinner and those in the know were swept up into a VVIP section in a less public part of Chroma which reminds us of a favourite phrase in the art world, “There’s always a VIP card better than yours”.
The night and the auction were a big success with the collaboration between Joopiter, G-Dragon, and Pharrell shining brightly, showcasing a vibrant intersection of culture and creativity. The partnership with Paradise City underscored a global movement towards innovative art and cultural collaborations, reshaping how we perceive artistic expression. The event’s spirited ambiance and rich artistic displays left a profound mark on attendees, paving the way for future cultural initiatives and partnerships worldwide.
