Adrian Ghenie Painting Sells for $1.28M at Frieze Seoul 2026 VIP Day
Frieze Seoul 2026 commenced on September 2nd with its VIP day at COEX, celebrating its fifth consecutive year. The event drew an eclectic gathering of collectors and influential figures from the Asia Pacific, including K-pop artist The8 from Seventeen and various models and actors like Hye-jin Han and Ji-won Uhm. Noteworthy sales characterized the opening, highlighted by Thaddaeus Ropac’s acquisition of Adrian Ghenie's ‘Figure with Funerary Stele’ for €1.1 million, approximately $1.28 million. Ropac praised the dynamism of Seoul Art Week and the high caliber of art on display, underlining strong sales to collectors from across the region.
Key facts
- Frieze Seoul 2026 VIP day was held on Wednesday, September 2nd, at COEX.
- The fair is in its fifth edition.
- Adrian Ghenie's 'Figure with Funerary Stele' (2026) sold for €1.1 million ($1.28 million) via Thaddaeus Ropac.
- The sale led opening transactions at the fair.
- Attendees included K-pop stars The8, Annie, Bailey, singer Woodz, models Hye-jin Han and Yano Shiho, and actors Ji-won Uhm, Dasom, So-Hee Han, and Si-young Lee.
- Thaddaeus Ropac noted the maturation of Seoul Art Week and strong sales to Korean and Asian collectors.
- Sales spanned Asia, including Malaysia and China.
- The fair drew collectors, curators, and institutional leaders from the Asia Pacific region.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Frieze Seoul
- Thaddaeus Ropac
- COEX
Locations
- Seoul
- South Korea
- Asia Pacific
- Malaysia
- China
Sources
- Artsy —