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PHOTOS French collector unveils rare trove of Korean modernist art

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By Anna J. Park
  • Published May 27, 2026 11:46 am KST
  • Updated Jun 12, 2026 11:10 am KST
Philippe Tirault, left, showcases pieces from his collection at the French ambassador's residence in Seoul, May 22. The exhibition, titled 'Towards Another Horizon: French Korean Artists – The Philippe Tirault Collection,' is held as part of events commemorating the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Korea. Featuring works by major Korean artists with deep artistic ties to France, the exhibition presents a selection from Tirault's collection built over more than three decades and offers a fresh perspective on the roots and diversity of Korean modernist art, featuring artists such as Rhee Seund-ja, Lee Bae, Nam Kwan, Lee Ung-no and Bang Hai-ja. Courtesy of Embassy of France in Korea

Philippe Tirault, left, showcases pieces from his collection at the French ambassador's residence in Seoul, May 22. The exhibition, titled "Towards Another Horizon: French Korean Artists – The Philippe Tirault Collection," is held as part of events commemorating the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Korea. Featuring works by major Korean artists with deep artistic ties to France, the exhibition presents a selection from Tirault's collection built over more than three decades and offers a fresh perspective on the roots and diversity of Korean modernist art, featuring artists such as Rhee Seund-ja, Lee Bae, Nam Kwan, Lee Ung-no and Bang Hai-ja. Courtesy of Embassy of France in Korea

Philippe Tirault showcases pieces from his collection at the French ambassador's residence in Seoul, May 22. Most of the works included in the 'Towards Another Horizon: French Korean Artists – The Philippe Tirault Collection' exhibition are shown to the public for the first time and are displayed in the unique setting of the ambassador's residence, designed in the 1960s by renowned Korean architect Kim Chung-up. Viewing reservations can be done through the embassy's website. Courtesy of Embassy of France in Korea

Philippe Tirault showcases pieces from his collection at the French ambassador's residence in Seoul, May 22. Most of the works included in the "Towards Another Horizon: French Korean Artists – The Philippe Tirault Collection" exhibition are shown to the public for the first time and are displayed in the unique setting of the ambassador's residence, designed in the 1960s by renowned Korean architect Kim Chung-up. Viewing reservations can be done through the embassy's website. Courtesy of Embassy of France in Korea