▲ Patrick Lee, director of Frieze Seoul, speaks during a press conference for Freize Seoul and Kiaf, scheduled to open next month, in Seoul on Aug. 22, 2024. (Yonhap)
▲ A Kiaf official explains this year's art fair, set to run from Sept. 4-8, in Seoul on Aug. 22, 2024. (Yonhap)
▲ Kiaf Chairman Hwang Dal-seung speaks during a press conference for Freize Seoul and Kiaf, scheduled to open next month, in Seoul on Aug. 22, 2024. (Yonhap)

art fairs-press conference

Frieze, Kiaf commit to ongoing partnership, set dates for upcoming events

By Woo Jae-yeon

SEOUL, Aug. 22 (Yonhap) -- A distinguished group of art collectors with refined tastes is expected to arrive in Seoul early next month for the third edition of Frieze Seoul, its director said Thursday.

"You're going to be so impressed by the quality of the visitors who are coming to Seoul this year, and we have a record number of global (art) institutions (joining as well)," Patrick Lee, the director of Frieze Seoul, said during a press conference Thursday, sharing updates on the upcoming global art fair, which will run concurrently with Kiaf, one of South Korea's most prominent art events.

The collectors coming are of the highest caliber, and their enthusiasm is remarkable, he continued, adding, "We're going to make a statement, really, in terms of audience quality, coming to visit Frieze and Kiaf in a few weeks time."

Over the past two years, Lee has observed that the quality of the audience, collectors and institutions from Asia and around the world has been incredibly strong.

"We've seen increased participation from visitors and a lot of excitement this year," he added, noting that this was especially boosted by "word of mouth."

For its third edition, Frieze Seoul will showcase over 110 major galleries from around the world, offering a global platform to explore contemporary art. The fair will feature various programs highlighting individual artists' unique visions and diverse masterpieces spanning different periods.

Frieze launched its first Asian fair in Seoul two years ago, marking its fourth global location after London, New York and Los Angeles. The organization partnered with Kiaf, hosted by the Galleries Association of Korea, in a five-year collaboration. This partnership aims to showcase "a shared commitment to celebrating the city's thriving creative community," according to Frieze.

At Thursday's event, both Frieze and Kiaf reaffirmed their commitment to their "mutually beneficial" partnership and emphasized their desire to continue the relationship.

"I think we're always in discussions about continuing that partnership. We made that clear last year," Lee said, adding that it "is the intention for now" to have "those conversations together over the coming years."

Kiaf Chairman Hwang Dal-seung noted that the partnership is firm and sound, highlighting that Frieze helped Kiaf participate in this year's Expo Chicago, an annual international contemporary and modern art exhibition.

"I would like to add that the government and the city of Seoul have been incredibly supportive of our work," he said, citing Kiaf advertisements on public transportation and at Incheon International Airport to position Seoul at the center of the Asian art market.

"Given the sluggish global art market, it is thanks to Frieze that so many activities are happening in Seoul," he added, underscoring the mutually beneficial nature of the partnership.

Kiaf will feature 206 galleries from 22 countries, showcasing South Korea's vibrant art scene with a mix of established artists and emerging talents.

Frieze and Kiaf are scheduled to run from Sept. 4-7 and Sept. 4-8, respectively, at the Convention and Exhibition Center (COEX) in southern Seoul.

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