Largest Annual Art Fair in Busan Aims to Strengthen Local Presence and Tap into Global Market

Courtesy of Kukje Gallery

Art Busan 2024, the prominent annual art fair in Busan, is scheduled to take place from May 9 to 12 at Bexco. The event aims to bolster its exhibition program and local presence amidst challenges within the art market.
 

▲ "Add Two Add One, Divide Two Divide One 2019-27" by Kim Yun-shin / Courtesy of Kukje GalleryJeong Seok-ho, managing director for Art Busan, expressed determination to maintain the fair's uniqueness as a local art event in South Korea. Despite concerns regarding the sluggish art market, Jeong emphasized the importance of local art fairs and announced plans to launch Busan Art Week alongside the fair, offering collectors a comprehensive tour of the city's art scene.

Art Busan 2024 plans to feature 127 galleries from 20 countries, with a notable emphasis on its "Connect" section. This segment will include "Herstory," a special exhibition curated by Henna Joo, focusing on pioneering female contemporary artists from Asia and beyond, such as Yayoi Kusama, Xiao Lu, Jung Kang-ja, and Cindy Sherman.

▲ "Minnie & Daisy" by Mr Doodle / Courtesy of Pearl Lam GalleriesAdditionally, the fair's "Future" section will spotlight emerging galleries and artists, including Choi & Choi Gallery, Drawingroom Gallery, and Atelier Aki. The participation of Busan-based galleries is set to increase, comprising 21 percent of all exhibitors, compared to previous years.

Looking ahead, Art Busan is considering expanding its reach into the global art market, hinting at the possibility of launching a new art fair overseas in the near future.

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Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com