After COVID-19, Korean art fairs have been very active. Many famous artists from home and abroad participated in various art fairs to showcase the various works, which are contributing greatly to the development of the Korean art industry.
In particular, online exhibitions, which were active in the wake of COVID-19, have recently become more active, serving as another catalyst. In addition, the success of ‘Frieze Seoul’, an international art fair held in Korea for the first time in 2022, also played a role.
 |
| ▲ the Galleries Art Fair 2022, Courtesy of the GALLERIES ASSOCIATION OF KOREA |
In the spring of 2023, there is an art fair that draws attention in Korea. It is 'the Galleries Art Fair 2023' (2023 화랑미술제), which is called Korea’s first art fair. The art fair celebrating its 41st anniversary this year, is attracting more attention as it is a prelude to Frieze SEOUL, which is celebrating its 2nd anniversary this year.
The Galleries Art Fair 2023 will open at Coex in Gangnam-Gu, Seoul for four days, starting with a VIP preview on April 12 and ending on the 16th. The Festival, which was held in SETEC last year, has returned to COEX, the mecca of Korean exhibitions, where Frieze was held last year. This exhibition boasts the largest scale ever. The exhibition will be held simultaneously in two halls (B&D Hall) of COEX. An official said, “The scale has grown 1.5 times compared to last year, and 156 galleries, the largest number ever, will participate and the attractions will be enriched.”
In the meantime, the high participation fee that participating galleries have to pay has been pointed out as a big problem. The organizers reduced the gallery's burden to a minimum. In addition, this exhibition opened the door to a wider field for participation by small and medium-sized galleries.
 |
| ▲ the Galleries Art Fair 2022, Courtesy of the GALLERIES ASSOCIATION OF KOREA |
For this reason, more than 10,000 paintings, prints, sculptures, installations, and media works by more than 900 artists will be waiting for the audience at this year's exhibition.
Keumsan Gallery under President Hwang Dalseung, who was reappointed as the 21st president, featured Kwon Yong-rae and Yoon Pil-hyeon. Kukje Gallery featured works by Byron Kim and Kim Hong-seok, who recently received attention at the Art Basel Hong Kong. Hakgojae has Park Kwang-soo, Arario Gallery has Noh Sang-ho, One and J Gallery has Seo Dong-wook, Gallery Baton has Hou-jung, Johyun Gallery has Yoon Jong-suk, who presented super-large murals, and Leeahn Gallery has Lee Kun-yong, who pioneered domestic avant-garde art. Gana Art features young artists such as senior artist Choi Jong-tae, Kim Seon-woo, Eddy Kang, and Jang Maria Jang. Gallery Hyundai also presents works of various generations, including Lee Ufan, Chung Sang-hwa, Lee Kang-so, Do Yoon-hee, and Kim Min-jung, as well as Park Min-joon, who is gaining support from the younger generation through his recent solo exhibition. Gallery Chosun puts Sang-Hoon Ahn on the front, Gas Group Yoo Ji-Young, Lee Hwa-Ik Gallery features Ha Ji-Hoon, Gallery Gaia features Kim Myeong-Jin, Sein Gallery features Lee Young-Ji, and Gallery Grimson features Chae Seong-Pil. Gallery Shilla, which opens a new space in Samcheong-dong during this Festival, chose Kim Chun-soo.
 |
| ▲ the Galleries Art Fair 2022, Courtesy of the GALLERIES ASSOCIATION OF KOREA |
Among Korea's art fairs, the Galleries Art Fair 2023 is famous for exhibiting unique works that combine Korean tradition and modernity. The 21st president, Hwang Dalseung, said, “I will fully support galleries so that they can overcome difficult times. Also, I am doing my best to improve the quality of this previous episode.”
Sayart.net
Maria Kim sayart2022@gmail.com
