On September 4 in Seoul, the resplendent third edition of Frieze Seoul returns to COEX, ongoing through September 7. Situated in the buzzing center of Gangnam, the pioneering fair brings together more than 110 esteemed galleries, shining light on Korea’s luminaries and emerging creatives, as well as the global art landscape.
Coinciding with the vibrant Kiaf SEOUL, as well as jubilant biennales in both Busan and Gwangju, the much-anticipated event stands out as a beacon of powerful artistic and cultural conversation and collaboration. Headline partner LG OLED brings new technological wonders with riveting endeavors by visionaries Do Ho Suh and Eul Ho Suh, who pay distinct homage to their father Se Ok Suh by the stunning activation of a digital canvas. Global lead partner Deutsche Bank, who has supported Frieze Seoul for over 20 years, proceeds to uplift the vital and forward-thinking international fair.
Taiki Sakpisit, “Dark Was the Night,” 2024, Two-channel video installation, 15:30 mins;
Courtesy of the artist and SAC Gallery.
Fostering Meaningful Dialogue
“We are thrilled to bring together such a diverse and dynamic array of galleries and artists for this year’s Frieze Seoul,” said Patrick Lee, Director of Frieze Seoul. “This edition not only highlights the depth and richness of Korea’s artistic heritage but also fosters meaningful dialogue between the local and global art communities. We look forward to celebrating the creativity and innovation that make Frieze Seoul a unique and vibrant platform in the international art world.”
“We are thrilled to bring together such a diverse and dynamic array of galleries and artists for this year’s Frieze Seoul,”
Patrick Lee
Choi Goen, “Gloria,” 2023, Bronze plated on Stainless Steel Pipe, Artificial Marble,
126x117x138(cm);
On display in ‘Yolk’, 2023, Cylinder Two, Seoul, South Korea,
Courtesy of the artist.
Linking Multi-Generational Korean Artists with Global Creative Icons
Multi-generational Korean artists are placed in captivating dialogue at this year’s fair, uniting the dynamic projects of legendary creatives such as Lee Bul, Haegue Yang, Lee Ufan, Park Youngsook, Kang Seung Lee, and many more. Creative icons from around the world, including Anicka Yi, Petrit Halilaj, Louise Bourgeois, Barbara Kruger, Carol Bove, and more will also unveil profound exhibitions, culminating in a cross-cultural symphony.
Myungmi Lee,
“Landscape,” 1995,
acrylic on canvas,
181.8 x 227 cm; courtesy of the artist and Wooson Gallery.
A Myriad of Solo, Curated, and Themed Presentations Unfold
Intimate solo exhibitions, meticulously curated presentations, and immersive themed shows will engage and delight all ages. Pace Gallery offers visitors access to a remarkable painting from the 1980s by Lee Ufan, collaged with the cutting-edge creations of Elmgreen & Dragset. Kukje Gallery celebrates leading artists of the essential Dansaekhwa movement like Park Seo-Bo and Ha Chong-Hyun, while highlighting the mastery of contemporary visionaries such as Lee Kwang-Ho and Suki Seokyong Kang.
Park Seo-Bo , “No.081130 Ecriture No.081130,”
2008, 130 × 195 cm,
Mixed media with Korean hanji paper on canvas, courtesy of the artist and Tokyo Gallery + BTAP.
Frieze Masters Offers a Voyage through Art History
Deftly curated by Nathan Clements-Gillespie, Director of Frieze Masters, the Frieze Masters platform will whisk audiences away on voyage through space and time, reveling in the magnificence of art history. Asia-based galleries are placed at the heart of this section, and the distinguished Tokyo Gallery + BTAP will raise the curtain on a vivacious show intermingling 1960s avant-garde artists with today’s groundbreaking creatives, displaying works from Park Seo-Bo, Lee Jin Woo, and Choi Myoung Young.
“Frieze Masters in Seoul offers a rare opportunity to explore the continuum of art history within the vibrant context of a contemporary fair,” said Clements-Gillespie.”This year’s selection spans centuries and cultures, inviting collectors and visitors to experience the timeless relevance of exceptional artworks. We are proud to present works that not only resonate with the past but also engage with today’s artistic dialogues, making Frieze Masters a vital part of the broader Frieze Seoul experience.”
“Frieze Masters in Seoul offers a rare opportunity to explore the continuum of art history within the vibrant context of a contemporary fair,”
Nathan Clements-Gillespie
Focus Asia Uplifts 10 Solo Exhibitions
Spearheaded by Advisor Hyejung Jang, Chief Curator of DOOSAN Gallery, alongside Joselina Cruz, Director and Curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, Manila, the fair’s Focus Asia section sings with 10 momentous solo exhibitions.
Championing emerging and overlooked visionaries, this category will introduce visitors to the hypnotic artistry of Lu Yang at Parcel, where prismatic elements of Japanese pop culture meet ethereal Buddhist spiritualism. In partnership with Stone Island, which assists young galleries to present at Frieze Seoul, the spirited paintings of Park Kyung Ryul will beam across staff uniforms.
Lu Yang, “DOKU The Flow,” 2024, 4K video, sound, 50 min 15 s, courtesy of the artist.
Partner Shows with Breguet and Ruinart Radiate at Frieze Seoul 2024
Additional much-anticipated partner activations include Breguet’s “Post Atlantica” show of newly commissioned photographs and films by the ever-inspired Noémie Goudal, curated by Jenn Ellis, in a keen juxtapositioning of ecology, anthropology, and invention. Maison Ruinart continues its euphoric “Conversations with Nature” Carte Blanche series with revelatory creative Tomoko Sauvage and her rich explorations of the bountiful and fragile natural world.
