From September 4 to November 23, 2024, Songeun Art Space in Seoul is hosting Portrait of a Collection: Selected Works from the Pinault Collection, a landmark exhibition in collaboration with the renowned Pinault Collection. This exhibition brings together 60 key pieces from the collection founded by François Pinault, the celebrated collector and owner of Christie’s auction house. The collection was first introduced to South Korea in 2011 with Agony and Ecstasy at SONGEUN, and this new exhibition marks its highly anticipated return to Seoul after 13 years.
Curated by Caroline Bourgeois, Portrait of a Collection takes inspiration from the 2021 inaugural exhibition Ouverture at the Bourse de Commerce in Paris, which transformed the historic site into a dedicated museum for the Pinault Collection. This exhibition at SONGEUN features iconic works by artists such as Marlene Dumas, Luc Tuymans, Peter Doig, Florian Krewer, Ser Serpas, Rudolf Stingel, and Lynette Yiadom-Boakye. The diversity of media—including video, installation, sculpture, drawing, and painting—demonstrates the breadth of the collection’s artistic expression, capturing the dynamic and expansive vision of contemporary art.
A defining aspect of the Pinault Collection is its dedication to “Companionship” with artists, fostering long-term collaborations that allow for in-depth exploration of each artist’s body of work. This approach is especially evident in the works of David Hammons, who has maintained a close relationship with the Pinault Collection. In Ouverture, 30 of his works were displayed, over half of which were new. Hammons, an African American artist known for his provocative engagement with political and social issues, has intentionally remained outside mainstream art circles, making his work both challenging and groundbreaking. The SONGEUN exhibition includes five pieces by Hammons, ranging from his 1960s drawings to recent installations and videos, encapsulating his ongoing inquiry into societal structures and identity.
At the entrance, visitors encounter works by Danish-Vietnamese artist Danh Vo, whose art addresses themes of migration and identity. Vo’s piece reflects his experience as a refugee from the Vietnam War, highlighting the universal and essential concept of “movement.” The exhibition then flows into a welcome room dedicated to Hammons, marking his first significant presentation in Asia. Here, Hammons’ thought-provoking works draw viewers into a dialogue about identity, power, and cultural narratives.
The auditorium features the cinematic work of Albanian artist Anri Sala, who explores themes of history, memory, and resilience. 1395 Days Without Red (2011), reconfigured for this exhibition, portrays the Sarajevo siege during the Bosnian War, using music to convey both the raw desperation and enduring hope of human nature. The piece offers viewers a contemplative, multisensory experience that transcends time and place, resonating deeply in today’s world.
The second and third floors present an expansive range of artists, including Miriam Cahn, Peter Doig, Marlene Dumas, Lucas Arruda, Anicka Yi, Julie Mehretu, and Rudolf Stingel. Each artist’s work resonates in a layered symphony of contrasting rhythms, reflecting the Pinault Collection’s focus on diversity and depth in contemporary art. Also featured are new acquisitions, such as works by Korean artist Yeom Ji Hye, underscoring the collection’s commitment to embracing global perspectives.
In the basement, Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster’s immersive installation, Opera (QM. 15) (2016), invites viewers into an uncanny space filled with both mystery and tension. Through a striking interpretation of the mythical opera singer Maria Callas, Gonzalez-Foerster constructs a sensory environment that evokes temporal disorientation, drawing viewers into an intense experience that blurs the boundaries between past and present.
As an exhibition, Portrait of a Collection presents not only a rare view into the depth and scope of the Pinault Collection but also engages the audience in a broader discourse on identity, history, and human experience. The collaboration between SONGEUN Art Space and the Pinault Collection, supported by Saint Laurent, underscores the growing importance of cross-cultural partnerships in the global art world, creating a platform for dialogue between Korean audiences and internationally acclaimed artists.
For Korean art enthusiasts, Portrait of a Collection offers a unique opportunity to witness the synergy between local and international artists. This exhibition extends beyond aesthetics, inviting viewers to contemplate the deeper questions embedded within contemporary art. By spotlighting issues of companionship, migration, identity, and memory, the Songeun exhibition serves as a cultural bridge, connecting global art narratives with the Korean art community.
Sayart / Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com
