Kicks Off with Record-Breaking Attendance at COEX
A Quick Overview(3min, Video)

The GALLERIES ART FAIR 2023, celebrating its 41st anniversary this year, opened its doors to VIPs on April 12th at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, and saw a staggering number of visitors, reaching about 4,500, making it the largest attendance in the history of the festival. Even before the official opening, a long queue of eager art enthusiasts had formed, showcasing the heightened anticipation for this renowned event. 

▲ The Galleries Art Fair 2023, Photo by Sims GreenAs the first and longest-running art fair in Korea, the GALLERIES ART FAIR serves as a key barometer for the art market, providing insights into its current trends and directions. This year's festival features over 900 artists from 156 domestic galleries, marking the largest participation ever, exhibiting approximately 10,000 diverse works including paintings, prints, sculptures, installations, and media art.

 Produced by Maria Kim, Photo by Sims Green.

The booths of major galleries in Korea have drawn significant attention, with an impressive presence of VIPs and reporters.
 ▲ Gana Gallery, photo by Sims GreenCelebrating its 40th anniversary, Gana ART showcases the works of esteemed artists such as veteran sculptor Jongtae CHOI and Taeim HA, Sunwoo KIM, Eddie KANG, Hosup HWANG, and Maria CHANG, among others.
 ▲ Hyundai Gallery, photo by Sims GreenGallery HYUNDAI, known for its prestigious reputation, exhibits a stellar lineup of artists including LEE Kunyong, LEE Ufan, KIM Tschangyeul, CHUNG Sanghwa, LEE Kangso, TOH Yunhee, and KIM Minjung, alongside the popular PARK Minjoon, who has garnered acclaim through a solo exhibition titled "Late last year - early this year 'X'". The gallery presents works by artists from various generations, showcasing its diverse and dynamic collection.

▲ Kukje Gallery, photo by Sims GreenKUKJE Gallery, a prominent gallery with a global presence, presents the works of renowned artists such as Byron Kim, who is currently holding a solo exhibition at the Busan branch, as well as Gim Hongsok, Hong Seung-Hye, Kim Yong-Ik, Park Seo-Bo, Candida Hofer, Julian Opie, and other notable artists from home and abroad.

▲ Hyundai Gallery, photo by Sims GreenPKM Gallery, known for its contemporary art focus and international presence, is capturing attention with the works of rising star JEONG YoungDo, who has been making waves in the art world and has exhibited in prestigious art fairs such as Art Basel and FIAC. The gallery showcases several paintings by the young artist, receiving positive responses from the audience.

▲ HAKGOJAE Gallery, Photo by Sims GreenHAKGOJAE Gallery captivates the audience with works by PARK Gwangsoo, KIM Jae Yong, KIM Eun Jeong, JANG Jae Min, JI Keun Wook, LEE Woosung, Yoori, and RohwaJeong, showcasing the diverse talents of its artists.

The exhibition will continue until April 16th, providing art enthusiasts and collectors alike with a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant art scene in Korea. The GALLERIES ART FAIR promises to be a significant event that sets the tone for the art market in the coming year, as it continues to showcase the best of Korean and international contemporary art.

Sayart.net
Jason Yim, yimjongho1969@gmail.com

Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com