Frieze Seoul Expands its Number of International and Asia-based Exhibitors
Frieze Seoul is taking place this week, open through September 9 at COEX. Coinciding with Kiaf Seoul and a vibrant Seoul Art Week, the fair brings together 120 leading galleries with a strong core of local exhibitors. In its second year, the fair is more international than ever, including a greater number of Asia-based galleries. That includes not-to-miss first-time presenters like Galerie Quynh, Nova Contemporary, and Station Gallery, as well as a robust Frieze Film program and the introduction of Frieze Music. This week draws attention to the art and cultural scene of Seoul, including its grass-roots community of artist-driven spaces, also highlighted within Frieze Seoul’s presentations.
Whitewall spoke with Frieze Seoul’s director Patrick Lee to hear more about Frieze Seoul’s growth, must-see presentations, and what he’s looking forward to seeing around the city this week.
Patrick Lee, photo by Deniz Guzel, courtesy of Frieze Seoul.
WHITEWALL: This is the second edition of Frieze Seoul. How will this edition of the fair further cement its role within Seoul’s art community?
PATRICK LEE: The second edition of Frieze Seoul presents an exciting opportunity to build on the foundations established in the inaugural year, deepening the fair’s connections to South Korea’s vibrant arts community, and providing a platform for international and local audiences to engage with the breadth of the city’s cultural landscape. With this in mind, the second edition features an enhanced program of special projects, artist-led initiatives, and collaborations with the city’s galleries and institutions.
Installation view of Commonwealth and Council at Frieze Seoul 2022, photo by Let’s Studio, courtesy of Frieze.
In the same vein, the fair welcomes increased participation from Asia-based exhibitors, which now make up more than half of the fair’s galleries, while our commitment to highlighting local artists is further emphasized with the launch of the Frieze Artist Award, which offers an emerging artist, this year Woo Hannah, with the opportunity to realize a major new commission for the fair. As we look forward to each successive edition, we hope that the fair’s role as a significant cultural event in the city will only grow.
Young In Hong, “One Gate between Two Worlds,” 2021, dyed cotton, leather, viscose rayon threads, and rug; courtesy of the artist and PKM.
First-Time Presenters at Frieze Seoul
WW: Who are some of the fair first-timers we should keep an eye out for?
PL: I am delighted that this year’s fair is more international than last, featuring galleries spanning 30 countries, amongst which are several for whom this will be their first time showing at a Frieze fair. By attracting a diverse range of local and international participants, the fair creates a dynamic platform for meaningful interactions, collaborations, and cross-cultural exchange.
Look out for Galerie Quynh, hailing from Ho Chi Minh City and presenting works by Vietnamese artist Do Thanh Lang, and Station Gallery, joining us from Australia and showing a group exhibition featuring artists Polly Borland, Tom Polo, and Mark Whalen. Having Antennae Space in Frieze Seoul is something I’m very happy about, they are sharing a booth with another great gallery, Project Native Informant. Nova Contemporary from Bangkok is also a first-time participant, showing works by the artist Prae Pupityastaporn.
Naoki Tomita, “Shower,” 2023, oil on canvas; courtesy of the artist and Maho Kubota Gallery.
WW: Will we see any solo or thematic presentations of note this year?
PL: As is customary at Frieze fairs, audiences can expect a range of thoughtfully curated solo and thematic exhibitions by some of the world’s leading galleries. Highlights include Gallery Hyundai’s solo presentation of Rhee Seundja, showcasing works from across the artist’s six-decade career, and David Kordansky Gallery’s display of new paintings by Los Angeles-based artist Mary Weatherford.
Frieze Seoul Introduces Frieze Music, alongside Frieze Film program
WW: How is Frieze Film central to this year’s program?
PL: In recent years Korean culture has attracted much international attention and with this in mind, we wanted to ensure that the fair’s programming was reflective of the region’s expansive cultural offering. Frieze Film, led by curators KIM Sung woo and Sungah Serena CHOO, will showcase moving image works by 14 Korean artists at four independent spaces across the city and on frieze.com. The program presents the opportunity for audiences to discover some of Korea’s most exciting names working within the medium.
WW: Frieze Music makes its Seoul debut this year. Can you tell us about what we can expect?
PL: This year sees the introduction of Frieze Music, an initiative made possible by BMW, with the aim of showcasing leading musical talent from across the region. There will be a special live performance by acclaimed South Korean musician Colde of which I’m hugely looking forward to! Again, the motivation behind extending the scope of the fair’s programming beyond the visual arts, to incorporate both music and film, is to celebrate as wide of a cross-section of South Korea’s cultural landscape as we can!
Installation view of Dr. Jörn Günther Rare Books at Frieze Seoul 2022, photo by Let’s Studio, courtesy of Frieze.
WW: 35 non-profit, alternative, and artist-led spaces will host special exhibitions and events, organized with ARKO. How are these artist-driven spaces central to Seoul’s artistic community?
PL: With the aim to support the rich culture of artist-run and independent creative spaces across Seoul, we have partnered with Arts Council Korea (ARKO) to promote a series of activations across 36 arts spaces during Frieze Week. The city has a strong grass-roots community that plays an integral role in fostering artistic talent.
What Patrick Lee is Seeing Outside of Frieze Seoul This Week
WW: Outside of the fair and its programming, what are you looking forward to seeing around Seoul this week?
PL: I look forward to seeing some of the incredible exhibitions taking place across the city’s institutions and galleries, all of whom have programmed spectacular shows to coincide with the fair. Leeum will show a major Suki Seokyeong Kang‘s exhibition, opening during Frieze Week, alongside an exhibition of Kim Beom. Another must-see is Amore Pacific Museum of Art’s recently opened Lawrence Weiner show, and Ilmin Museum’s Issy Wood exhibition.
It is so energizing to see how the city’s arts community has rallied around the fair; galleries are staying open late, staging special events, and more. I’d strongly recommend making time to visit the late-night openings in the Hannam, Cheongdam, and Samcheong areas. There truly is so much to see and do, the sheer breadth of incredible options on offer speaks to Seoul’s position as a major arts destination.
Naoki Tomita, “Shower,” 2023, oil on canvas; courtesy of the artist and Maho Kubota Gallery.
