Seoul's September 2023 Art Scene: Frieze, KIAF, and Major Exhibitions

As the art world converges on Seoul for Frieze and KIAF, numerous exhibitions open across the city. At Hakgojae Gallery, Woosung Lee presents paintings that act as contemporary archaeology, featuring rune-like symbols of modern objects. Art Sonje Center's 'Off-site' exhibition places works by GRAYCODE, jiiiiin, Jong Oh, Yona Lee, Hyun Nahm, and Jungyoon Hyen in functional spaces like the theatre and rooftop. Haegue Yang's show at Kukje Gallery's hanok space uses 'hibernation' as a theme, displaying sculptures from the past decade in a natural state. One and J. Gallery launches in Gangnam with MeeNa Park's conceptual paintings from her House series. Koo Jeong A, set to represent South Korea at the 2024 Venice Biennale, exhibits 'Levitation' at PKM Gallery, featuring drawings and digital animations. MMCA Deoksugung hosts a retrospective of Chang Ucchin, 'The Most Honest Confession', highlighting his simple geometry and Buddhist influences. The 12th Seoul Mediacity Biennale, titled 'THIS TOO, IS A MAP', runs from 23 September to 19 November across venues including SeMA Bunker and Seoul Museum of History, with artists like Femke Herregraven, Jesse Chun, and Torkwase Dyson. ThisWeekendRoom presents Adam Boyd, Chaewon Lee, and Rim Park questioning the landscape genre through collages, surrealist ice forms, and microscopic wallworks.