Top 10 Highlighted Exhibits at Frieze Seoul 2023
Top 10 Highlighted Exhibits at Frieze Seoul 2023
n its second edition, Frieze Seoul 2023 has seamlessly integrated itself into the cultural fabric of the South Korean capital. The bustling COEX Center in Gangnam welcomed a vibrant and diverse crowd on a warm VIP day, attracting art collectors and dealers of varying ages and backgrounds. This event coincided with the Korean International Art Fair (KIAF), hosting its VIP day with 210 booths on the floor below. Together, these events transformed the expansive convention center, connected to a sprawling shopping complex, into a vibrant hub for the global art scene, with art enthusiasts and dealers at every turn.
Frieze Seoul 2023 features more than 120 participating galleries, organized into three distinct sections: the primary section with 89 well-established galleries, Frieze Masters focusing on significant masterpieces, and Focus Asia, dedicated to solo exhibitions by Asia-based galleries.
The atmosphere at the fair was overwhelmingly positive, and within the first day, numerous high-value art pieces had already changed hands. Emma Son, a senior director at Lehmann Maupin, remarked, “Despite some broader economic concerns, we’ve had a successful start to the fair.”
Lehmann Maupin was just one of the galleries that reported substantial sales within the initial hours of the VIP day. They sold more than 15 artworks ranging from $20,000 to $190,000.
Among other notable sales, Hauser & Wirth placed over 13 artworks in both institutional and private collections across East Asia, with a highlight being Rashid Johnson’s piece fetching $975,000. Pace Gallery also had impressive sales, including Joel Shapiro’s work for $175,000, Qiu Xiaofei’s piece for $160,000, and a Robert Nava painting for $150,000. David Zwirner sold various works, including a new Katherine Bernhardt painting for $250,000, a Rose Wylie piece for $250,000, and a Mamma Andersson work for $550,000. Cardi Gallery managed to sell a Dan Flavin artwork for $250,000, two pieces by Alberto Biasi for $150,000 each, and a Mimmo Paladino work for $350,000.
Frieze Seoul 2023 showcased a remarkable diversity of art and artists, solidifying its place as a globally significant event in the art calendar. Here, we present Artsy’s selection of the top 10 standout exhibits from this extraordinary fair.
Eric Firestone Gallery
Booth M22
With works by Jeanne Reynal, Elise Asher, and Pat Passlof
Eric Firestone Gallery from New York showcased the works of three accomplished female abstract artists in their Frieze Masters exhibition. This thoughtfully curated booth pays homage to a group of artists whose contributions have recently received well-deserved recognition. Eric Firestone, the gallery’s owner, explained, “The booth truly reflects the gallery’s mission, which is centered around reevaluation and scholarship, primarily focusing on American artists.” The artists presented in the exhibition, whose estates the gallery represents, unquestionably fall within this category.
Jeanne Reynal’s mosaic creations exude an earthy and intricate charm, while Pat Passlof’s canvases evoke landscapes teeming with dynamic motion. Elise Asher, a painter and poet who passed away in 2004, made her Asian debut with a series of captivating and expressive works, characterized by calligraphic elements. Firestone noted, “The Asian market has shown a keen interest in New York School art,” referring to the mid-century art movement. “Introducing artists who aren’t typically part of the conventional New York School roster is always refreshing and enriching for collectors.”
Lawrie Shabibi
Booth F7
With works by Hamra Abbas
In the Focus section dedicated to solo presentations by Asian artists, Dubai’s Lawrie Shabibi gallery spotlights the mesmerizing marble inlay artworks of Pakistani artist Hamra Abbas.
Adorning one wall, her captivating series of intricate “Flower Studies” draws inspiration from photographs captured during the artist’s travels, delving into the geographical origins of lapis lazuli in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan region. These enchanting figurative wall pieces utilize the metamorphic rock in various hues and tones, exhibiting a painterly quality.
On the opposite wall of the booth, Abbas’s rugged marble pentaptych titled “Mountain 6” (2023) portrays the iconic snow-covered majesty of Pakistan’s K2 mountains.
As Asmaa Al-Shabibi, a director at the gallery, pointed out, “Much of Hamra’s work resonates across Asia, and everyone can relate to the grandeur of the K2 mountains. Korea also boasts a rich tradition of craftsmanship, often involving wood inlay, sparking intriguing conversations and connections.”
Thaddaeus Ropac
Booth C5
With works by Cory Arcangel, Alvaro Barrington, Georg Baselitz, Tony Cragg, Mandy El-Sayegh, Antony Gormley, Donald Judd, Martha Jungwirth, Alex Katz, Imi Knoebel, Lee Bul, Robert Longo, Liza Lou, Robert Mapplethorpe, Robert Rauschenberg, Daniel Richter, Tom Sachs, David Salle, and Zadie Xa
Thaddaeus Ropac celebrates the 40th anniversary of its first space in Salzburg this year, and its booth at Frieze Seoul is a testament to the gallery’s evolution into a blue-chip powerhouse. A strong slate of new works from its leading lights, such as Anthony Gormley, Alex Katz, and Georg Baselitz, take up the prominent positions in the booth; but the gallery also made ample space for its younger talents to shine, with works by Mandy El-Sayegh and Zadie Xa among the highlights.
As the gallery continues to grow its presence in Korea, founder Ropac described the booth as a “balance” between the gallery’s European, American, and Asian artists, though it certainly highlights its artists’ connections with Korea. Korean Canadian artist Xa currently has an exhibition in the museum Space K in Seoul, while the first solo exhibition of Donald Judd in South Korea in almost a decade opened at the gallery this week. Anselm Kiefer and Lawrence Weiner are also featured in museum shows across the Korean capital.
Ropac was in cheery spirits on the VIP day. “It’s more international this year [and] you can really feel the difference,” the gallerist said of the fair. “With last year, it was still the end of COVID. This year, Asia is here in big strength.”
Tomio Koyama Gallery
Booth C20
With works by Katherine Bradford, Nana Funo, Makiko Kudo, Hideaki Kawashima, Shintaro Miyake, Tom Sachs, Kishio Suga, and Hiroshi Sugito
Tomio Koyama, the renowned Japanese gallery located in the trendy Roppongi district of Tokyo, presents a vibrant showcase at Frieze Seoul 2023. This booth brims with captivating artworks, including the contemplative geometric woodworks by Kisihio Suga, the playful and intricate colored pencil creations of Shuntaro Miyake, and the entrancing dreamscapes meticulously crafted by Makiko Kudo.
In addition to these Asian talents, Tomio Koyama gallery proudly features works by American artists Tom Sachs and Katharine Bradford, creating a captivating dialogue between diverse artistic expressions. Makiko Kudo’s imaginative and dreamlike paintings have been a focal point, drawing enthusiastic crowds at the fair. Notably, Kudo is currently part of a group exhibition at the Dora Observatory, situated in the DMZ area near the North Korean border.
Hiroshi Sugito, another artist from the gallery’s esteemed roster, has also garnered significant attention at the fair. A close friend of Yoshitomo Nara and a pivotal figure in the Tokyo Pop movement, Sugito’s paintings straddle the line between abstraction and figuration, bathed in a delicate pastel color palette. His whimsical portrayals of tables, farmhouses, and trees add another layer of intrigue to the gallery’s captivating display. Tomio Koyama’s booth at Frieze Seoul 2023 offers a captivating blend of Japanese and American artistic visions, creating a vibrant tapestry of contemporary artistry.
Gallery 1957
Booth A8
With works by Amoako Boafo, Gideon Appah, Kwesi Botchway, Joana Choumali, Tegene Kunbi, Kaloki Nyamai, and Nadia Waheed
Gallery 1957, with locations in Accra and London, made its vibrant debut in Seoul, showcasing a dynamic roster of West African artists. The booth at Frieze Seoul 2023 is a visual feast, featuring captivating artworks that burst with vitality and flair.
From the spirited portrayal of a tennis-playing man in Amoako Boafo’s painting to the colorful and geometric compositions by Tegene Kunbi, this booth radiates boldness and a distinctive creative spirit.
Marwan Zakhem, the gallery’s founder, expressed their vision, saying, “We aimed for a bold and unique presentation, and the response from visitors has been exactly that.”
The booth serves as a crossroads of artistic talent, encompassing both emerging artists like Joana Choumali and established figures such as Gideon Appah. Zakhem describes it as a “cross-section” of Gallery 1957’s diverse program, emphasizing the rich and varied artistic expressions emerging from West Africa.
The enthusiastic crowds that gathered around the booth on its VIP day underscored the success of this strategy, confirming the gallery’s commitment to showcasing the depth and diversity of West African artistry. Gallery 1957’s presence at Frieze Seoul 2023 is a vibrant celebration of creativity from the region.
Arario Gallery
Booth A22
With works by Geraldine Javier, Jung Kangja, Kim Inbai, Kohei Nawa, Lee Jinju, Nalini Malani, Soun-Gui Kim, and Subdoh Gupta
Arario Gallery, based in Seoul and known for its commitment to showcasing Asian art, presents a diverse array of artists hailing from across the continent. This booth at Frieze Seoul 2023 serves as a vibrant platform for pioneering talents from Korea, Japan, China, the Philippines, India, and beyond.
Among the featured artists is Nalini Malani, a trailblazing Indian artist recognized for her early experimentation with video art. Her single-channel stop-motion animation piece, “Life” (2022), flickers to life on one side of the booth, captivating viewers with its unique narrative. Another standout artist is Jung Kangja, a prominent figure in Korea’s first wave of performance art during the late 1960s and ’70s, who endured government sanctions. His painting, “Scenery of Hanbok and the Moon” (1998), transforms traditional Korean Hanbok clothing into an abstract form that seems to gracefully float through the sky. Jung is also featured in the Guggenheim’s current exhibition on Korean experimental art, “Only the Young: Experimental Art in Korea, 1960s–1970s,” and will be part of the gallery’s presentation at Frieze Masters in London next month.
Arario Gallery also spotlights ultra-contemporary talents, such as Japanese artist Kohei Nawa, whose monochromatic paintings delve into the intricate interplay between the natural and artificial worlds. A curious painting crafted from powdered pigment, animal skin glue, and water on unbleached cotton by Lee Jinju delves into the architecture of memory in a truly thought-provoking manner.
Sojung Kang, a director at the gallery, radiates enthusiasm at the booth, noting that compared to the previous year, the fair experience has significantly improved, a testament to the ever-evolving vibrancy of the art scene at Frieze Seoul.
kurimanzutto
Booth B16
With works by Allora & Calzadilla, Haegue Yang, Nairy Bagrahmian, Leonor Antunes, Danh Vo, Gabriel Orozco, Oscar Murillo, Roberto Gil de Montes, Gabriel Kuri, and Rikrit Tiravanija
kurimanzutto, a gallery with bases in Mexico City and New York, presents an extraordinary booth at Frieze Seoul 2023 that stands out for its remarkable diversity of materials and artists on display.
At the forefront of their presentation is a sprawling canvas created by Jennifer Allora and Guillermo Calzadilla, an artwork composed of meticulously glued sandpaper sheets that captivates viewers. Beyond this centerpiece, the booth harmoniously blends spatial sculptures, installations, and performance pieces, weaving a narrative that explores themes ranging from technology to mythology.
From Petrit Halilaj’s delicate sculptures adorned with feathers to the imposing 3D-printed works by Adrián Villar Rojas (reminiscent of his notable pieces at the Helsinki Biennale), kurimanzutto’s booth offers a multitude of artworks that invite intrigue and contemplation. Notably, the exhibition features a selection of pieces by Haegue Yang, including the enigmatic work “Sonic Droplets – Water” (2022), incorporating hanging bells that have deep roots in traditional Korean shamanistic traditions.
Alexander Ferardo, a director at the gallery, enthusiastically described the fair’s opening day atmosphere as “very good.” By the close of the VIP day, kurimanzutto had already secured sales of works by Gabriel Orozco, Rirkrit Tiravanija, and Haegue Yang, with prices ranging from $40,000 to $550,000, a testament to the booth’s captivating and diverse offerings.
Kukje Gallery
Booth A29
With works by Anish Kapoor, Kyungah Ham, Haegue Yang, Suki Seokyeong Kang, Park Seo-Bo and Ha Chong-Hyun, Wook-Kyung Choi, Kim Yong-Ik, Lee Kwang-Ho, Yeondoo Jung, and Suki Seokyeong Kang
Kukje Gallery has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in the realm of contemporary art in Korea. At Frieze Seoul 2023, their booth stands as a testament to their status, drawing a bustling crowd of art enthusiasts. Dominating the booth’s center is Anish Kapoor’s “Green and Brandy” (2021), a circular, stainless-steel masterpiece whose reflection engulfs viewers in its mesmerizing depths. Kukje’s presentation serves as a compelling reminder of what sets this gallery apart in Seoul: their remarkable ability to seamlessly unite diverse strands of Korean artistry.
Among the standout pieces is Park Seo-bo’s grand canvas creation, “Écriture (描法) No. 080616” (2008), which employs Hanji paper and warm, sun-drenched yellow hues to evoke the vibrant forsythia blossoms of spring. Lee Kwang-Ho’s “Untitled 6917” (2023) meticulously captures serene pond scenes, while Haegue Yang’s “Terraced Torch Lily Vertical Garden” (2023) incorporates vibrant Venetian blinds into her artistry. The striking “Untitled” (1968) by Wook-kyung Choi showcases the bold experimentation of the late Korean Abstract Expressionist, who is currently the focus of a solo exhibition at the gallery’s Busan outpost.
A gallery representative expressed their excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to witness immense interest in contemporary art, which appears to have not only endured but grown since last year’s inaugural edition of Frieze Seoul.” The preview day of the fair saw a surge of collectors, including a notable increase in Chinese and other Asian collectors.
This surge in interest translated into a robust preview day for Kukje Gallery, with notable sales, including Park Seo-bo’s artwork fetching around $490,000, along with six-figure sales of works by Ha Chong-hyun, Kyungah Ham, and other esteemed artists. Kukje Gallery’s booth at Frieze Seoul 2023 embodies the gallery’s unwavering commitment to showcasing and fostering the vibrant contemporary art scene in Korea and beyond.
Gallery Baton
Booth C1
With works by Kim Bohie, Song Burnsoo, Koh San Keum, Bae Yoon Hwan, Bin Woo Hyuk, Choi Soo Jung, Lee Jaeseok, Heeseung Chung, Doki Kim, Tatsuo Miyajima, Liam Gillick, Peter Stichbury, Rinus Van de Velde, Suzanne Song, Markus Amm, Jimok Choi, Yuichi Hirako, and Christian Hidaka
Gallery Baton, located in Seoul, captivates visitors with its striking booth bathed in an intense purple-blue hue, setting the stage for a diverse array of compelling artworks that delve into profound themes.
Stealing the spotlight is Doki Kim’s “Blue Hour” (2023), a mesmerizing LED display that forms a line from Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “A Dream within a Dream.” The words dissolve into a tangle of black cables seemingly pouring out of the artwork. Just behind it, Liam Gillick’s neon creation “Fall Down Get Up” (2023) bears the message “fall down seven times get up eight,” resonating with a profound sense of resilience.
The booth also boasts nature-inspired paintings by Rinus Van de Velde and Kim Bohie. Dutch artist Van de Velde captures the image of a sailboat entangled in tumultuous waters, while Bohie’s painting illuminates a serene sun behind a rocky façade, evoking a more tranquil mood.
Among the standout pieces, “Wooden Wood 40” (2023) by Yuichi Hirako stands out as a remarkable wooden sculpture, resembling an overflowing shelf crammed with an intriguing array of possessions.
Gallery Baton’s booth at Frieze Seoul 2023 showcases an engaging fusion of artistic expressions and themes, inviting visitors to explore the profound and diverse world of contemporary art.
Axel Vervoordt Gallery
Booth M20
With works by Zoran Music, Bosco Sodi, Sterling Ruby, Rachel Whiteread, Takis, Heinz Mack, Wolfgang Laib, Günther Uecker, Yun Hyong-keun, Raimund Girke, Lucio Fontana, George Rickey, Otto Piene, Jef Verheyen, and César
Axel Vervoordt Gallery’s exhibition at Frieze Seoul 2023 is a masterful presentation that harmoniously melds disciplines and nationalities across vast spans of time. From a 12th-century AD Cambodian deity’s head to a 2019 mixed-media abstract creation by Mexican artist Bosco Sodi, this collection forms a seamless whole despite the significant differences in origin and era.
Annemie De Maeyer, a director at the gallery, articulates their approach, stating, “In our gallery, we cherish the art of bridging East and West. We firmly believe in the universality of art, an experience that transcends cultural boundaries.”
A notable common thread that weaves through this display is a profound attention to materiality and texture. The booth showcases the tactile qualities of art, featuring works like a ceramic creation by Sterling Ruby, a resin piece by Rachel Whiteread, and a pair of oil-on-linen artworks by Yun Hyong-Keun. It’s a booth that commands attention while also beckoning viewers to embark on a deeper contemplative journey.
Axel Vervoordt Gallery’s presence at Frieze Seoul 2023 is a testament to their ability to curate a rich and cohesive narrative that spans time, disciplines, and cultures, inviting viewers to engage with the profound and universal language of art.
