KIAF 2009: Seoul's Art Fair Weathers Crisis with Emerging Artists

The 8th Seoul Korean International Art Fair (KIAF) took place from September 18-22, 2009, in Seoul, South Korea, amid the global financial crisis. The fair featured 168 galleries, a 26% drop from the previous year, with only 46 foreign galleries (down from 102 in 2008) due to market conditions and geographic distance. Despite a reduced international presence, the fair highlighted emerging artists and galleries committed to the Korean market. Notable participants included Kunst Raum with sculptures by Stephen Marienfeld, Australia's Niagara Gallery featuring Neil Taylor's galvanized steel grilles, and two French galleries: Albert Benamou and Maria Lund. Maria Lund presented four artists: Lee Jin Woo (a Paris-based Korean), Bent Skjottgaard, Peter Martensen, and Didier Boussarie. Among Korean galleries, Lee U Fan was ubiquitous; Yemac Gallery showed Chong-Hyun Ha, Um Gallery exhibited Nam June Paik (televisions and a musical Buddha), and Miz Gallery featured François Perrodin. The crisis corrected inflated prices driven by speculative Chinese markets, opening opportunities in Korea where an informed public and potential collectors seek reasonably priced works. The report also notes the Nam June Paik Art Center, opened in October 2008, located 40 minutes from central Seoul with free admission, housing a comprehensive permanent collection including a reconstruction of the artist's New York studio and hosting temporary exhibitions.