In an invigorating start to 2025, three prominent galleries in Seoul have launched group exhibitions that promise to delight and inspire art enthusiasts. From the global appeal of Perrotin Seoul’s "Cabinets of Curiosities" to the intimate narratives of Superior Gallery and Noblesse Collection, each showcase offers a distinct exploration of artistic imagination and inquiry.

Perrotin Seoul, located in Itaewon, has unveiled its first exhibition of the year, titled Cabinets of Curiosities. Running until February 28, the exhibition features works by renowned artists such as Murakami Takashi, Josh Sperling, and Nick Doyle. In addition to the artwork, the gallery has transformed part of its space into a bookshop, presenting a curated selection of art books, editions, posters, and merchandise produced by Perrotin. This integration of visual and material culture highlights the gallery's innovative approach to fostering artistic engagement.

Meanwhile, Superior Gallery in Gangnam’s Teheran-ro has announced its upcoming group exhibition, What Makes Your Heart Flutter?, which will run from January 17 to February 17. This show gathers four artists—Gamulchi, Kim Irang, Noma, and Lee Najin—who collectively explore the joy of simple yet profound moments.

Gamulchi bridges analog and digital techniques, depicting urban landscapes from diverse countries through pen drawings enhanced with digital coloration. Kim Irang captures the vibrancy of everyday life, emphasizing the beauty of nature, plants, and ordinary objects. Noma blends realism and fantasy, creating luminous portraits that evoke emotion and wonder. Finally, Lee Najin draws inspiration from childhood memories and reflections on adulthood, illustrating whimsical animals adorned with ornate accessories as metaphors for her evolving perspective.

In Cheongdam-dong, the Noblesse Collection presents a thought-provoking trio exhibition from January 15 to February 19, featuring artists Kwon Hyekyung, Yang Hyunmo, and Choi Kayoung. This showcase examines the tensions between logic and emotion, good and evil, and the individual versus society, all through a lens of dynamic equilibrium.

Kwon Hyekyung delves into personal narratives tied to motherhood with her ongoing project, Mother Zone, which reflects on pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing themes. Yang Hyunmo explores inner balance through hazy, symmetrical forms that invite introspection. Choi Kayoung pushes the boundaries of reality and imagination, constructing vivid, almost tangible fantasies based on unvisited places and unseen objects.

These three exhibitions collectively underscore the diversity of Seoul’s contemporary art scene. While Perrotin Seoul connects global audiences to its roster of iconic artists, Superior Gallery celebrates the universal resonance of small joys, and Noblesse Collection probes deeper societal and psychological questions. As the year begins, Seoul solidifies its status as a vibrant cultural hub where creativity thrives.

Sayart / Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com