Old masters, rising stars fill the booths at art fair
Art Busan 2018 features artwork by various artists such as “Chaos Series,” left, by artist Kim Chong-hak, which has been displayed for the first time. Right is artist Bang Hai-ja whose stained glass work will soon be displayed at the Chartres Cathedral in France. [YOON SO-YEON]
The international art fair was attended by art lovers from in and outside of Korea, gathering for the opportunity to see works by both old masters and young geniuses presented by 161 galleries from 15 different countries around the world, including special exhibits by renowned contemporary creators.
The fair starts with eight granite-and-marble sculptures installed by artist Park Eun-sun at the Bexco plaza, a special exhibition organized by The Page Gallery, and continues inside at the exhibition hall where thousands of art works of different genres and styles await visitors. A vast array of art fills the booths, some from renowned artists such as Robert Indiana, Jeff Koons, Anish Kapoor and Julian Opie, alongside Korean masters such as Nam June Paik, Kim Chong-hak, Ran Hwang, Chun Kwang Young and Yun Hyong-keun.
Celebrities and powerful figures in the art world will join the festivities throughout the weekend, such as actor Park Shin-yang, model Byen Jeong-min, director of the Busan Museum of Art Kim Sun-hee and executive director of the Busan Biennale Choi Tae-man, along with well-known art collectors such as Uli Sigg and Miyatsu Daisuke.
Artist Bang Hai-ja, whose work will adorn the windows of Chartres Cathedral in France later this year, attended to take a look at her works in the Gallery Baum booth. “I started painting in 1961 in Paris, and it is so meaningful that my work will be exhibited inside the Chartres Cathedral, the most beautiful piece of architecture in France. I hope to express the holy light of life, love and peace,” said Bang.
As the fair is now into its seventh year - relatively young compared to other major events - it offers a dynamic and trendy experience, clearly reflected in the five special exhibitions taking place inside the exhibition hall. Shinji Ohmaki’s “Gravity and Grace” stands alone in a hall of its own. Visitors can rest while the light shines quietly down on them like a giant lamp.
For those who’d like to get intoxicated on more than just great art, Gallery Stan offers a free cup of Jack Daniel’s whiskey at their booth for visitors. “Art fairs should be like picnics where you not only look at art works, but also have fun,” said John Kim, project manager of the gallery.
The fair will run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit www.artbusankorea.com.
BY YOON SO-YEON [yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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