Patrick Lee
Director, Frieze Art Fair
What makes Seoul an art city?
Patrick Lee
Seoul is a dynamic place with a sophisticated and inquisitive collector base and art world infrastructure. The country boasts incredibly talented artists, world-class museums, corporate collections, non-profits, biennales, and galleries. Korean art lovers are so open to learning and educating themselves and engaging with the artists and galleries, but they also love to share information and thoughts. Right now, the speed of sharing these thoughts via social media or other ways is incredible and has particularly fostered a younger audience. The speed of this sharing of information has led to a growth in the appreciation of contemporary art
What does Seoul offer to Frieze (… and that wouldn’t be found elsewhere)?
Coex Exhibition Center, the home of Frieze Seoul
Frieze looks to cities where there is a vast appreciation of culture; in Seoul, this is demonstrated not only in the art world but also in film, design, fashion, cuisine, and music. Korean culture has already gained recognition on a global scale, and this is fueling an interest in visiting the country and the growth in attention gained by everything coming out of Korea.
Does this fair further the case of Seoul becoming an (the?) art market hub in Asia?
It is definitely a validation of the city and its place within the arts ecosystem. Of course, we hope it will replicate the success of what we have achieved in other cities – the best fairs facilitate dialogue and lasting relationships. The art world has its own wonderful machinations and network. Korea is already an important part of this – as shown by the fact that Frieze Seoul has landed here – but the fair can play a leading role in extending this international reach and continuing the development of the art scene here in Asia.
Is Seoul a global art power player? Why/not/when will it be?
It’s certainly growing and becoming a more influential player – this trend for art appreciation and collecting is likely to continue at a rapid pace. Artists are continuing to receive greater recognition, with the support from galleries and institutions, curators who engage critically to help contextualize what is going on here and then in turn the support and patronage of collectors that continue to grow in numbers and sophistication.
How does the art market landscape here handle Korean tastes v International ones?
The local gallery scene is distinctive – we see a strong showing of both Korean and international artists and that really shapes tastes to be something unique to Korea. The collecting scene has been growing in Seoul since the 1980s and so now there is an incredibly sophisticated understanding of the arts landscape and people are hungry for knowledge – the more energy and activity that happens here, the more it will be rewarded.
What does the scene here need more of and less of?
Like everywhere, we need more and less of everything! There are arguments on both sides but as the art scene in Korea becomes increasingly international that continues to drive local knowledge of the wider and, in turn, that brings a global interest to the Korean art world – everything works both ways.
Seoul-based galleries that excite you?
There is such a huge number of galleries in Seoul it is difficult to choose, however I would absolutely direct people towards some of our major spaces such as Kukje and Gallery Hyundai along with stalwarts like Hakgojae, PKM and ONE AND J. Younger galleries that are having some interesting exhibitions include Baton and Jason Haam. If you travel to Busan I would visit Johyun Gallery. Also, everyone should absolutely check out some of the younger spaces that are showing in our Focus Asia section such as P21, and Whistle. I also visit the non-profit or artist-run spaces that are doing interesting work with emerging artists.
Artists you discovered in Korea who you’re currently into?
Contemporary Korean artists that have gained renown and are immensely talented include Do Ho Suh, Haegue Yang, Moon & Jeon, Lee Bul, Anicka Yi, and I continue to follow their practice. Some of the younger artists I like include Gala Porras-Kim, Ayoung Kim, Mire Lee, Seokyeong Suki Kang, Kang Seung Lee, and Christine Sun Kim just to name a few.
What is unique about Seoul’s art gallery ecosystem?
The Seoul gallery ecosystem grew up with a certain level of autonomy – of course, major spaces were able to exhibit at an international level, but that has been no means the case for the majority of galleries and so there has been a huge amount of activity in Korea that has its own identity. There are still so many major figures from Korean art history yet to be really understood on a wider cultural level and Korean galleries are developing and evolving at a fast clip to help raise their profile on the international scene.
What’s your best-kept Seoul (art) secret?
The fantastic non-profit and artist-run spaces in Seoul are very interesting. There is an area near the old Saeun Electronics Market that has wonderful character. The building itself houses some artists’ studios and the roof offers a nice view of Seoul and you will find some small new cafes and bars in the building. Nearby you will see some impressive non-profits like Uljiro OF and N/A.
