6 Art Exhibitions to see in Seoul this December
As colder days arrive earlier than expected in Seoul, you might find the last month of this year ideal to spend some time indoors exploring new exhibitions and works of all kinds. Check out the last curation of the year for more insights, and hope it inspires you for the year ahead. —Diana
Zero, Ten at Perrotin Seoul
The current group exhibition at Perrotin Seoul, called Zero, Ten, draws inspiration from the historic The Last Futurist Exhibition of Paintings 0,10 held in 1915. This exhibition marked a significant milestone in Russian avant-garde painting and showcased the works of six talented artists who use painting as their medium of expression. The exhibit offers an opportunity to explore the works of renowned artists such as Lee Bae and Takashi Murakami, along with Josh Sperling's unique three-dimensional paintings on plywood.
Lee Bae. Brushstroke n66, 2022. Courtesy of the artist and Perrotin Seoul.
EXHIBITION INFO
December 2 - 23, 2023
Free Admission
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Kohei Nawa: Cosmic Sensibility at Pace Seoul
The first solo exhibition of the artist in Seoul features paintings and sculptures from five series, including the most recent one, titled Sparks. Kohei Nawa combines traditional and unconventional techniques to explore the relationships between physical and virtual spaces. The exhibition encourages visitors to contemplate the effects of digital technology and its impact on our relationship with the physical world.
Installation view of Kohei Nawa: Cosmic Sensibility (November 22, 2023 - January 6, 2024). Image courtesy of Pace Gallery, Seoul.
EXHIBITION INFO
November 22, 2023 - January 6, 2024
Free Admission
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Toby Ziegler: Broken Images at PKM Gallery
Exploring elements of classical art using contemporary techniques, Toby Ziegler is interested in artworks that are relevant to our times. Particularly, what interests the artist is how paintings –both in their digital and physical forms– reach audiences. The exhibition features works on canvas, exploring the blurred lines between reason and intuition, representation and abstraction, analog and digital.
Toby Ziegler. Nero, 2023. Courtesy of the artist & PKM Gallery.
EXHIBITION INFO
November 17 - December 23, 2023
Free Admission
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Geometric Abstraction in Korean Art at MMCA Gwacheon
The group exhibition tracks this art form's history from the 1920s to the 1970s, showcasing its connections to architecture, design, and society. An interesting aspect is that despite its popularity, Geometric Abstraction faced criticism within Korea for being seen as superficial and disconnected from culture. Contrary to the notion of abstract art being detached, this exhibit seeks to uncover how this art form in South Korea was shaped by the social landscape of that time. The exhibition includes works of 40 artists such as Kim Whanki, Park Seobo, and Yoo Youngkuk.
Installation view of Geometric Abstraction in Korean Art at MMCA Gwacheon (November 16, 2023 ~ May 19, 2024.). Image courtesy of the National Modern and Contemporary Art Museum, Korea.
EXHIBITION INFO
November 16, 2023 ~ May 19, 2024.
Admission: 2000 won.
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Lee ShinJa: Threadscapes at MMCA Gwacheon
Threadscapes showcases the life and work of Lee ShinJa, an artist, teacher, and fiber art pioneer who has contributed significantly to Korean art and contemporary crafts. The 100 artworks presented at this exhibition reflect her passion for exploring the meaning of life and serve as a reference to further explore her artistic production over the past 50 years.
Installation view of Lee ShinJa: Threadscapes at MMCA Gwacheon (September 9, 2023 - February 18, 2024.)
EXHIBITION INFO
September 9, 2023 - February 18, 2024.
Admission: 2,000 won
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The Part In The Story Where Our Accumulating Dust Becomes A Mountain at Seoul Museum of Art
This group exhibition explores the evolving role of contemporary art museums and their shifting dynamics. Beyond merely displaying art, these spaces now emphasize fostering connections among people to share experiences and values. The exhibit examines the artworks of artists including Lee Ufan, Mire Lee, and Gimhongsok, which explore the various meanings of ‘sharing’. It brings together collections from three art institutions: the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA), the Singapore Art Museum (SAM), and the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA).
Artwork included in the exhibition The Part In The Story Where Our Accumulating Dust Becomes A Mountain at Seoul Museum of Art at Seoul Museum of Art. Image courtesy of Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA)
EXHIBITION INFO
December 7, 2023 - March 3, 2024
The show runs at Seosomun Main Branch
Free admission
More info
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