The Galleries Art Fair 2024 unfolded from Apr. 3 to 7 at COEX in Seoul, featuring 153 South Korean galleries amidst a downturn in the art market. The fair presented a comprehensive overview of South Korea’s vibrant art scene with diverse artworks from renowned galleries like Gallery Hyundai, Kukje Gallery, and Hakgojae.
One of the fair’s standout programs was “Zoom-in Edition 5,” a platform dedicated to 10 emerging artists aged 39 or under. A staggering 570 artists vied for their inclusion, according to the Galleries Association of Korea. Three of the 10 chosen artists received awards based on a combination of attendee votes and evaluations by a panel of judges.
Gallery Hyundai spotlighted South Korea’s experimental artists, showcasing the works of Lee Kang-so and Lee Kun-yong. Meanwhile, Kukje Gallery curated an impressive exhibition featuring acclaimed artists from both domestic and international spheres, such as Kim Hong-seok, Jean-Michel Othoniel, and Candida Hofer.
Hwang Dal-sung, president of the Galleries Association of Korea, acknowledged a prevailing sense of caution among participants, attributing it to the market’s sluggish performance following the previous year’s Kiaf Seoul. In response to these concerns, the Association implemented measures to uphold the fair’s standards, such as limiting the number of artists per gallery booth. In contrast to Kiaf Seoul, which boasts international participation and coincides with Frieze Seoul in September, the Galleries Art Fair offers a strategic glimpse into upcoming trends in the art world.
Despite prevailing market challenges, the Galleries Art Fair 2024 provided a vital platform for galleries and artists to exhibit their works and engage with art enthusiasts. As the inaugural major art event of the year, its exhibitions will shape South Korea’s dynamic art scene for the year ahead.
Sean Jung Director teen/1713139050/1613367716
1. What happened from Apr. 3 to 7? What did the fair present?
2. What is said about “Zoom-in Edition 5" in paragraph 2?
3. What are the galleries mentioned in paragaph 3?
4. What did Hwang Dal-sung acknowledge? What was the response by the Association?
1. What do you think about Korean art?
2. What kind of support should emerging artists receive?
3. Have you ever visited famous art exhibitions before? Describe your experience.
4. Which places in the world are famous for having a vibrant art scene?
The Galleries Art Fair 2024 unfolded from Apr. 3 to 7 at COEX in Seoul, featuring 153 South Korean galleries amidst a downturn in the art market. The fair presented a comprehensive overview of South Korea’s vibrant art scene with diverse artworks from renowned galleries like Gallery Hyundai, Kukje Gallery, and Hakgojae.
