"KIAF and Frieze Seoul: Asia's Foremost Art Fairs Return to the Spotlight"

"Special Programs and Highlights: What to Expect from KIAF Seoul 2023"

Seoul, August 23, 2023 SayArt- On September 6th, 2023, Seoul is set to host the much-anticipated KIAF (Korea International Art Fair) and Frieze Seoul. After their joint debut last year, which caused a stir in the Korean art market, both art fairs will again present the largest international art event in Asia this year. The art community is keenly waiting to see the outcome of this event, especially since it's expected to attract a significant number of collectors from abroad, including China.

 

▲ View of Frieze Seoul 2022, Photo by SayArt Maria Kim

On the 17th of this month, a joint press conference was held at the Westin Chosun Hotel in central Seoul. Among the attendees were Hwang Dalsung, president of the Korean Gallery Association, and Patrick Lee, the director of Frieze Seoul. The KIAF Seoul 2023 will run from September 6th to 10th, while Frieze Seoul 2023 will be held from September 6th to 9th.

KIAF Seoul will feature 210 galleries from 20 countries. Notable galleries like Park Ryu Sook Gallery, Johyun Gallery, PKM Gallery, and many more will showcase works from artists such as Park Seo-bo, Lee Bae, and others. Additionally, 73 international galleries, including Germany's Die Galerie, Japan's Whitestone Gallery, and Taiwan's Asia Art Center, will participate.

 

KIAF Seoul has also prepped a "KIAF Highlight" program which will spotlight 20 selected artists from participating galleries. The fair plans to grant creative support funds to three out of these 20 artists.

 

▲ At the Frieze Seoul 2022 venue, an image of artist Lee Bae, Photo by SayArt.

Visitors can expect special exhibitions introducing the scene of Korean New Media Art and showcasing the works of PARK Saeng-Kwang and Park Rae-hyun. The KIAF Plus section, focusing on young galleries and artists, will be concurrently held at COEX. Also, starting on the 28th, a special KIAF exhibition will be on display at the Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 transportation center.

On the other hand, Frieze Seoul will see participation from over 120 galleries. This year, the event will feature programs that delve into Korea's creative environment, including films, talks, and music. A "Frieze Film" curated by Sungah Serena Choo and Sung woo Kim will screen video works by 14 artists in various non-profit independent spaces across Seoul. Coinciding with Frieze Week, from September 4th to 9th, events will also be hosted in 35 non-profit venues.

▲ Artist LEE, LEE-NAM participates in the 'There was a light shining on each person' special new media art exhibition. Courtesy of Korea Art Gallery Association.

Both KIAF and Frieze Seoul will collaborate on a joint talk program. Doryun Chong, deputy director of Hong Kong's M+, Virginia Moon, curator from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and artists Moon Kyungwon & Jeon Joonho, among others, will discuss topics such as "Today and Tomorrow of New Media Art," "Asia's Art Fairs," and "Experimental Art in Korea." Furthermore, a special evening gallery opening event is planned across the gallery-dense areas of Hannam-dong, Cheongdam-dong, and Samcheong-dong in Seoul.

Sayart.net
Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com