Art:LIVE | Frieze Seoul 2022

Summary

The inaugural Free Soul Art Fair in Seoul showcases the city's burgeoning art scene, paralleling the global rise of Korean culture. Creative lead Matthew McLean highlights the juxtaposition of modernity and tradition, noting the influx of international galleries and the vibrant engagement of local audiences. Featured artists explore generational conflicts and cultural heritage, with a notable focus on kinetic sculptures. The fair uniquely integrates historical artworks, fostering dialogue between past and present. As Seoul solidifies its status as a global art hub, the event reflects the city's dynamic cultural identity and the growing interest in contemporary Korean art.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Freeze Seoul marks the first-ever art fair in Asia, showcasing the growing global interest in Korean contemporary art.
• 🌊 The Korean Wave (Hallyu) has played a significant role in popularizing Korean culture, influencing the art scene as well.
• 🏙️ The Cheongdam district, where the fair is held, has transformed from farmland to a luxurious commercial hub, reflecting Seoul's rapid modernization.
• 📈 International galleries, like Pace and Gladstone, are increasingly establishing spaces in Seoul, enhancing the city's status on the global art map.
• 🎤 K-pop culture, with influential figures like RM from BTS, is actively supporting and driving interest in the local art market.
• 🖼️ The fair runs in parallel with the Korean International Art Fair (KIAF), promoting collaboration between local and international galleries.
• 🌏 Focus Asia aims to broaden the understanding of Asian art, emphasizing diverse identities and cultural narratives.
• 🧩 Artists featured at the fair reflect themes of generational conflict, cultural identity, and the merging of traditional and contemporary art forms.
• ⏳ Kinetic sculptures and horror-themed installations highlight contemporary societal interests and the evolving nature of artistic expression.
• 👥 The audience in Seoul shows a deep respect for art, engaging actively with exhibitions through audio guides and interactive elements.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Free Seoul art fair?

The Free Seoul art fair is significant as it marks the first time Free has held an art fair in Asia, highlighting Seoul's rising status in the global art scene amid the Korean Wave (Hallyu) and the growth of its contemporary art legacy.

How has the urban landscape of Cheongdam district changed over the years?

Cheongdam district has transformed from farmland into a bustling center of commerce, particularly for luxury brands, showcasing modern architecture and significant development over recent decades.

What role do K-pop stars play in the Korean art market?

K-pop stars, like RM from BTS and G-Dragon, actively support the art market in Korea, serving as art collectors and influencers who attract attention to contemporary art and contribute to its cultural significance.

What is the Focus Asia section at the fair, and what does it aim to achieve?

The Focus Asia section aims to broaden the understanding of Asian art beyond singular concepts or identities, encouraging viewers to appreciate the diverse artistic expressions emerging from the region.

Can you name some artists featured at the Free Seoul art fair and their works?

Notable artists include Las Tia Hijab, who creates traditional paintings on shaped wood panels, and Hong Shi Liu, whose mixed media installations comment on generational cultural conflicts.

What are some trends observed in the art showcased at the fair?

A notable trend is the prevalence of kinetic sculptures, reflecting a contemporary interest in movement and interaction within art. Several artists incorporate kinetic elements, which engage viewers in new ways.

What cultural themes do the artworks at the fair explore?

The artworks explore themes of identity, generational conflict, and societal issues, often using elements of 'cuteness' to provoke deeper discussions about vulnerability and societal perceptions.

How does the audience's engagement with art in Seoul differ from that in other cities?

In Seoul, young audiences actively engage with artworks by reading texts, using audio guides, and scanning QR codes, displaying a strong desire for knowledge and understanding of art, which is less common in some Western cities.

What unique feature does Free Seoul have compared to other Freeze fairs?

Free Seoul uniquely incorporates a mini version of Freeze Masters, dedicated to historical arts, allowing visitors to experience a wide spectrum of art, from ancient to contemporary, within the same space.

How does Matthew McLean conclude his tour of the fair?

Matthew McLean concludes the tour by reflecting on the diverse range of artistic expressions witnessed at the fair and thanking viewers for joining him, expressing excitement about the future of art in Seoul.