Hey there, Seoul, we’ve got some great news: There’s tons of art for you to see right now! Unfortunately South Korea’s art scene has been in the news for the recent resignation of Culture Minister Cho Yoon-sun in the face of pretty terrifying allegations, but the galleries and museums of the city remain open and undaunted. Support them by going out to see some of our current must-see exhibitions: Head over to Kukje Gallery for a solo show by the inventive conceptual sculptor Ahn Kyuchul, or go take in some mid-century abstract painting by Ryu Kyung-Chai at Gallery Hyundai. I’m particularly taken with the colorful, playful works of Hyena Kim currently on view at EM Gallery, with her riotous palette of pinks and greens and lively brushwork. I also suggest you not miss Olafur Eliasson’s major show at Leeum Samsung Museum of Art, on view through February 26—now’s your chance to see an indoor rainbow, for goodness sake! For something different, be sure to head over to the SKT-Tower and the Daejeon SKT Dunsan Building where the media artist group Shinseungback Kimyonghun employs the latest of computer technology in a series of building façade installation and screens.
With this line-up of cultural institutions and cutting-edge galleries working to display exciting contemporary art from local artists and beyond, Seoul’s art future continues to look bright.
Exhibition: “Ahn Kyuchul”
When:February 21–March 31, 2017
Where: Kukje Gallery, 54 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Ryu Kyung-Chai, Day 83-7 (1983). Courtesy of Gallery Hyundai.
Exhibition: “Ryu Kyung-Chai: Abstract Painting 1960–1995”
When:January 5–February 5, 2017
Where: Gallery Hyundai, 14 Samcheong-ro, Jungno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Fayez Barakat, installation view. Courtesy of The Barakat Gallery.
Exhibition: “Fayez Barakat: Matter Energy That Matters”
When:October 11, 2016–February 28, 2017
Where: The Barakat Gallery, 58-4 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Olafur Eliasson, Rainbow assembly (2016). Courtesy of Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art.
Exhibition: “Olafur Eliasson: The parliament of possibilities”
When:September 28, 2016–February 26, 2017
Where: Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, 60-16 Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea
Shinseungback Kimyonghun, Cloud Face – Real Time (2015). Courtesy of Art Center Nabi.
Exhibition: “Como & Happy Screen”
When:January 6–February 28, 2017
Where: Art Center Nabi, SKT-Tower, Euljiro 1-ga Exit no.4 / Daejeon SKT Dunsan Building, Seoul, South Korea
YOUNG-HAE CHANG HEAVY INDUSTRIES, ALL UNHAPPY FAMILIES ARE ALIKE (2016). Courtesy of the Art Sonje Center.
Exhibition: “YOUNG-HAE CHANG HEAVY INDUSTRIES: LIFE IN THREE EASY VIDEO TUTORIALS”
When: January 6–March 12, 2017
Where: Art Sonje Center, 87 Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Hyena Kim, One Bird with a Full Moon (2016). Courtesy of EM Gallery.
Exhibition: “Hyena Kim: Moon and Crab”
When:December 22, 2016–February 4, 2017
Where: Gallery EM, 2F, 14 Apgujeong-ro 71-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Mr., Tokyo, the City I Know, at Dusk: It’s Like a Hollow in My Heart (2016). Courtesy of Galerie Perrotin.
Exhibition: “Tokyo, the City I Know, at Dusk: It’s Like a Hollow in My Heart”
When:December 15, 2016–February 18, 2017
Where: Galerie Perrotin, 1F 5 Palpan-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Kim Young-Hun, p1646-Electronic Nostalgia-Noise 2016 (2016). Courtesy of CHOI&LAGER Gallery.
Exhibition: “Kim Young-Hun: Virtual-Scape”
When:January 17–February 24, 2017
Where: CHOI&LAGER Gallery, #315, 461 Apgujeong-Ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
“Things: Sculptural Practice” installation view. Courtesy of DOOSAN Gallery.
Exhibition: “Things: Sculptural Practice”
When:January 11–February 18, 2017
Where: DOOSAN Gallery, 15 Jongno 33-gil, Seoul, South Korea