Lehmann Maupin on Seoul's Art Market Growth and Frieze Seoul Success
Founded in 1996 by Rachel Lehmann and David Maupin, Lehmann Maupin has played a pivotal role in the South Korean art landscape since the establishment of its Seoul gallery in 2017. During Frieze Seoul 2023, Senior Director Emma Son reported notable sales, especially for artists Do Ho Suh, Lee Bul, and Sung Neung Kyung, indicating a robust interest in Korean talent both locally and internationally. The gallery presented works from historical Korean artists alongside global names such as Nari Ward and David Salle, the latter showcasing his second solo exhibition titled "World People." Son highlighted Seoul's transformation into an art center and stressed the importance of enhancing museum facilities to foster cultural exchange, viewing South Korea's art market as an emerging ecosystem with vast potential.
Key facts
- Lehmann Maupin opened in Seoul in 2017, founded in 1996 by Rachel Lehmann and David Maupin.
- At Frieze Seoul 2023, all works by Do Ho Suh entered local collections early, with additional sales for Lee Bul and Sung Neung Kyung.
- The gallery presented a focus on Korean artists Do Ho Suh, Lee Bul, Sung Neung Kyung alongside international artists Nari Ward, Billy Childish, Chantal Joffe, Erwin Wurm.
- The Seoul gallery hosts 'World People,' a solo show of new paintings by David Salle, the final chapter of his Tree of Life series.
- Lehmann Maupin expanded in Hannam-dong in 2022, near Storage by Hyundai Card and Leeum Museum of Art.
- Frieze Seoul debuted in 2022, bringing international attention to the city's art scene.
- The Korean secondary market showed volatility in early 2023, but Son sees a broader ecosystem with many galleries, fairs, museums, and academies.
- Son predicts Korea will become a healthy, sustainable market with growth potential, supported by food, fashion, and music influences.
Entities
Artists
- Do Ho Suh
- Lee Bul
- Sung Neung Kyung
- Nari Ward
- Billy Childish
- Chantal Joffe
- Erwin Wurm
- David Salle
- Rachel Lehmann
- David Maupin
- Emma Son
Institutions
- Lehmann Maupin
- Frieze Seoul
- Storage by Hyundai Card
- Leeum Museum of Art
- Artribune
Locations
- Seoul
- South Korea
- New York
- Hong Kong
- London
- Hannam-dong