SEOUL, May 25 (SayArt)-The 8th PLAS 2023, which will be held from May 25th to 28th, is preparing to be held at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. The four-day art extravaganza will display an impressive array of 3,500 works from 800 artists, promising a vibrant showcase for art enthusiasts.

This annual exhibition, renowned for its focus on invigorating the market for three-dimensional art forms like sculptures, reliefs, and glass, has secured participation from 96 galleries. Out of these, 85 are domestic entrants, and 11 hail from seven different countries, making PLAS 2023 a truly global event. The year 2023 marks an important milestone for PLAS as it aligns itself with One Art Taipei Taiwan and Art Vancouver Canada. This international collaboration has led to cultural exchanges and created a platform for Korean artists to gain exposure and promote their talent abroad.

The event's participation in One Art Taipei earlier this year successfully attracted four Taiwanese galleries. Furthermore, Canada's Art Vancouver and Toronto's SUNNY Gallery have also confirmed their participation. 

▲ Youngwon Kim_Cosmic Force D22, 162x130cm, Painting on Canvas, 2022, Courtesy of PLAS 2023.

A plethora of impressive works awaits visitors. CHUNG JARK GALLERY, based in Seoul, will display paintings by Kim Yeong-won, renowned as the sculptor of King Sejong the Great, and glass sculptures by artists such as Ko Sung-hee and Kim Seong-bok. Renowned artists like Kim Myung-jin, Ban Mi-ryung, and Alex Katz will have their works showcased by Galerie GAIA. The 2448 ARTSPACE is set to display works by famous domestic artists like Choi Young-wook, Lee Young-seop, Ga Kook-hyeon, and Yu Seon-tae. Not to be outdone, BIEN Gallery will host a variety of works from globally acclaimed artists like Yaoi Kusama, David Hockney, Ufan Lee, and Kwangyoung Jeon.

▲ Alex Katz_Blue Umbrella (edition of 150)_116x76 cm Archival pigment inks on Crane Museo Max 365 gsm paper_2020, Courtesy of PLAS 2023.▲ Youngseop Lee_Sea_65x177x40 cm_Mixed media_2022, Courtesy of PLAS 2023.▲ Yaoi Kusama_Yellow Pumpkin_15.8x22.7 cm_Acylic on canvas_2005, Courtesy of PLAS 2023.

This year's theme, "New Dream," encapsulates the spirit of the event. A notable highlight is a large sculpture by Chung-Ang University's Professor Tae-geun Yang. This piece, depicting a bear as the guardian of dreams, forms an emblematic representation of this year's theme. PLAS 2023 will also provide a platform for 33 emerging artists, handpicked by professors from 14 universities, to bring their dreams to life.

▲ Tae-geun Yang_Earth Rolling_100x100x144cm, bronze, stainless steel, 2023, Courtesy of PLAS 2023.

In an effort to create an immersive experience for visitors, the organizers have decided to install large sculptures typically seen in outdoor sculpture parks indoors. This innovative approach will not only enhance the ambiance of the exhibition but also serve as a valuable opportunity for companies seeking large-scale sculptures for their spaces.

 

▲ Tae-geun Yang_Looking at the dream_165x160x400 cm_stainless steel, LED lighting_2023, Courtesy of PLAS 2023.▲ Jeonghee Kim_SPACE2023 idea_140x150x310 cm_Stainless steel_2022, Courtesy of PLAS 2023.▲ Lee Sang-gil_Contact Is it only us_180x180x230 cm_Stainless steel, aluminum casting (urethane coating)_2021, Courtesy of PLAS 2023.▲ Heonyeol Park_Conversation 221_45x22x105 cm_Marble_2022, Courtesy of PLAS 2023.

Tae-geun Yang's monumental sculpture, 'Earth Rolling,' will be the first piece to greet visitors at the entrance. Renowned for capturing the intricate relationship between humans and nature, artist Kim Jung-hee will present works expressing the longing for the dream of human nature. Lee Sang-gil’s ‘Contact – Are we the only ones?’ introduces a work depicting an astronaut (representing the inner self) seeking his dream in the unknown world, with the circle representing the unknown. Heonyeol Park's installation draws the audience into their dreams and imaginations, enhancing the dreamy effect with penetrating LED light behind the white marble work.

▲ Baek Jong-eun_New Journey_ 28x28x27cm_Blown glass_2023, Courtesy of PLAS 2023.▲ Woohye Jin_As I wish expanded polystyrene_50x16x2.2cm_fabric, steel_2023, Courtesy of PLAS 2023.▲ Hyunwoo Bae_Invisible time_28×28×35cm_marble, basalt_2022, Courtesy of PLAS 2023.

Additionally, a special exhibition will feature six unique paintings by six different artists using various techniques such as pipette painting, relief, 3D, mixed media Korean painting, and design. A VIP exhibition has been meticulously planned for the second floor, promising a diverse and rich experience for the art collecter.

 

Sayart.net
Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com