Hongdae Fair Brings Fresh Art
By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
Since Hongik University is one of the country's top art schools, the surrounding area has naturally turned into a fertile breeding ground for young artists. The youthful energy and fresh talent of these artists is being showcased at the on-going Seogyo Nanjang 2009 art fair that kicked off last weekend.
``The second Seogyo Nanjang achieves its intention of invigorating the spirit of young artists, galleries and alternative spaces in their endeavors to promote creative activities despite the difficult environment,'' said Kim Noam, exhibition director of Gallery Sangsangmadang, in the event's catalogue.
The Seogyo Nanjang art fair is hoping to encourage more interaction between the art and the audience. Artwork by young artists is on display at Gallery Sangsangmadang, Gallery King, Space of Art etc., artspace hue and Television12 Gallery. The works are for sale, with prices ranging from 200,000 won to 6 million won.
``This year's fair goes beyond a mere passive display of artwork ― it aims to induce active participation from an audience as a means to create a `civic artist.' We hope that this will create a more meaningful experience for those who visit the Seogyo Nanjang art fair,'' Kim said.
``Young Art, the Festival of 'Nanjang''' features works by 30 artists at Gallery Sangsangmadang. ``Artists express the sentiments and emotions evoked from their interaction with the world they are living in through their works. Art fairs can be thought of as meeting points where people can collect and familiarize themselves through such interactive processes,'' said Yoon Young-kyu, senior curator at the gallery.
At Gallery King's exhibition ``Self-portrait,'' there are works by 50 artists who have previously shown at the gallery.
``Many of the artists that have been presented by Gallery King continue to build on their work and this exhibition provides people the joy of appreciating their current work,'' said Hong Bye, Gallery King director.
Artspace hue has organized an exhibition with the theme ``Everyday Life and Communication.'' ``The exhibition aims to provide the chance for the audience to understand art through an event comprised of young emerging artists' everyday lives, thoughts and interpretations,'' said Lee Yoon-jung, Artspace hue's curator.
Space of Art, etc., which is run by the art contents group mqpm system, invited 12 artists for its show ``The warm cozy painting store.''
For its exhibition ``New Generation,'' Television12 is showing colorful works by nine young artists. ``The reality they portray may be distorted but it is one full of optimism, allowing the viewer to have a sweet moment,'' said Kim Min-young, gallery director.
The Seogyo Nanjang art fair runs through Dec. 31. Visit gallery.sangsangmadang.com or call (02) 330-6223.