MMCA Korea Hosts International Symposium on Conceptual Art in Asia
On August 19, 2026, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Korea held an international symposium called Art and Concept: In the Asian Context. This event explored how art has shifted from focusing on physical materials to prioritizing ideas, leading to a new understanding of art's role in society and culture. Experts discussed the notion of "concept" in the contexts of Korea, Japan, and China, examining key artists and movements that have shaped conceptual art practices across Asia. The symposium highlighted this conceptual shift as a crucial factor in the transformation of contemporary art and its engagement with societal issues.
Key facts
- The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA) hosted the international symposium Art and Concept: In the Asian Context.
- The symposium took place on August 19, 2026.
- The event examined the notion of "concept" in the contexts of Korea, Japan, and China.
- The conceptual turn in art marked a shift from materiality to ideas.
- This turn redefined what art is and expanded its meaning into new artistic and social dimensions.
- Researchers discussed key artists and phenomena, revealing trajectories of conceptual practices.
- The symposium presented a multifaceted discussion of conceptual art in Asia.
- The conceptual turn was described as a major shift that opened up contemporary art and offered a compelling artistic mode of engaging with society.
Entities
Institutions
- National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea
- MMCA
Locations
- Korea
- Japan
- China