Frieze Seoul Spotlight: Rediscovering Overlooked 20th-Century Artists
Frieze Seoul 2026 will unveil a new Spotlight section, showcasing 12 solo exhibitions of 20th-century artists from nations such as India, Germany, Serbia, Nepal, and South Korea. Curated by Wonseok Koh, the director of the Line Cultural Foundation, this section aims to spotlight artists beyond the predominant Western narrative, rediscovering those often overlooked or operating outside traditional art hubs. Featured artists include Lain Singh Bangdel, a trailblazer of Nepali modern art known for 'Echo of the Mountain' (1972), Karl Otto Götz with his transformative painting 'Foss' (1960), and Han Youngsoo, whose 1950s-60s Seoul photographs challenge conventional depictions of post-war Korea. Frieze Seoul will take place from September 2-5.
Key facts
- Frieze Seoul 2026 introduces a new Spotlight section with 12 solo presentations.
- The section is curated by Wonseok Koh, director of the Line Cultural Foundation.
- Artists featured include Lain Singh Bangdel, Karl Otto Götz, Han Youngsoo, Suk Ranhi, Hoon Kwak, Son Sangki, and Po Po.
- The section focuses on overlooked 20th-century artists from outside the Western canon.
- Countries represented include India, Germany, Serbia, Nepal, and South Korea.
- Lain Singh Bangdel is a pioneer of Nepali modern art, blending international Modernism with Himalayan landscapes.
- Karl Otto Götz's 'Foss' (1960) marks his transition from CoBrA to Informel art.
- Han Youngsoo's photographs capture post-war Seoul, challenging stereotypical images.
- Suk Ranhi's 'Nature 87-22' (1987) reflects her abstract approach to nature.
- Hoon Kwak's 'Incantations VIII' (1980) is from a series exploring surreal forms.
- Son Sangki's work depicts the harsh landscapes of Seoul's slums during industrialization.
- Po Po's experimental practice traversed painting, assemblage, and design.
- Frieze Seoul runs from 2-5 September.
Entities
Artists
- Lain Singh Bangdel
- Karl Otto Götz
- Han Youngsoo
- Suk Ranhi
- Hoon Kwak
- Son Sangki
- Po Po
- Gerhard Richter
- Sigmar Polke
- Lee Ungno
Institutions
- Frieze Seoul
- Line Cultural Foundation
- Tansbao Gallery
- Die Galerie
- Baik Art
- Sun Gallery
- PNC Gallery
- Wellside Gallery
- Ames Yavuz
Locations
- Seoul
- South Korea
- India
- Germany
- Serbia
- Nepal
- Kolkata
- Paris
- Daegu
- United States
- Yangon
- Myanmar