Korean art Takes Center Stage at Frieze London 2025
Table of Contents
- 1. Korean art Takes Center Stage at Frieze London 2025
- 2. How does the exhibition of park Seo Bo’s work at Freez London 2025 contribute to a broader understanding of post-war Korean artistic identity?
- 3. International Gallery Showcases ‘Park Seo Bo ~ Superflex’ at Freez London 2025
- 4. A Deep Dive into the Exhibition & Artist
- 5. Understanding Park Seo Bo and Dansaekhwa
- 6. The ‘Superflex’ Series: A New Dimension
- 7. Exhibition Details: freez London 2025
- 8. Why This Exhibition Matters: Impact and Meaning
- 9. Related Artists and Movements
London, UK – International Gallery will showcase a compelling collection of Korean contemporary art at Frieze London 2025, held in Regent’s Park from October 15-19. The prestigious art fair, a cornerstone of the global art world since 2003 with editions also in New York, Los Angeles, and Seoul, will feature works from 168 galleries across 46 countries. This year’s event uniquely combines ‘Press Masters’ and ‘Freeze Sculpture,’ presenting both post-20th century artworks and large-scale outdoor installations.
International Gallery’s exhibition will highlight pivotal works by Korean masters including Park Seo-bo, Ha Jong-hyun, Kwon Young-woo, Lee Seung-jo, and Kim Yun-shin.Alongside these established figures, the gallery will introduce new pieces from contemporary artists Koo Bon-chang, Lee Ki-bong, Park Chan-kyung, Lee Kwang-ho, Yang Hye-kyu, and Kang Seo-kyung.
Notable works include Park Seo-bo’s “écriture No.221221” (2022), Ha Jong-hyun’s “Post-Consonjunction 11-527” (2011), and examples of Kwon Young-woo’s signature paper creations from the 1980s. Lee Seung-jo’s “nuclear” (1976-1977) will also be featured, alongside Koo Bon-chang’s “Vessel (Jun 07)” (2010) from his series exploring the aesthetic of white porcelain.
Contemporary highlights include Lee Ki-bong’s dreamy landscapes in his new work “B” (2025), and Park chan-kyung’s ” ” (2025), a metaphorical exploration of origins combining Buddhist stone pagodas and text. Lee Kwang-ho’s “Untitled 4763” (2025) and “A series of easy arrangements -half parts” (2009) capture the intimacy of everyday life, while Kang Seo-kyung’s “Grand Mother Tower” series delves into family narratives through vibrant, colored rooms.
The exhibition will also include international artists, with Jenny Holzer’s “Behalf” (2025) – transforming government censorship into abstract art – and Julian Opie’
How does the exhibition of park Seo Bo’s work at Freez London 2025 contribute to a broader understanding of post-war Korean artistic identity?
International Gallery Showcases ‘Park Seo Bo ~ Superflex’ at Freez London 2025
A Deep Dive into the Exhibition & Artist
This October, Freez London welcomes a meaningful exhibition featuring the work of Korean Dansaekhwa master, Park Seo Bo, alongside a compelling exploration of his “Superflex” series. Presented by an international gallery consortium,the show promises a unique opportunity to experience a pivotal figure in post-war Korean art and his innovative approach to materiality. The exhibition runs throughout October 2025, becoming a key event in the London art calendar.
Understanding Park Seo Bo and Dansaekhwa
Park Seo Bo (1931-2023) was a leading figure in the Dansaekhwa movement, often translated as “monochrome painting.” Emerging in the late 1960s and 70s in South Korea, Dansaekhwa artists rejected Western abstract expressionism in favor of a more contemplative and materially focused approach.
* Key Characteristics of Dansaekhwa:
* Emphasis on the properties of the canvas and paint.
* Repetitive, meditative processes.
* Subtle variations in texture and tone.
* A rejection of overt expressionism.
* Park Seo Bo’s Contribution: He is renowned for his ecriture series (1967-1981),where he repeatedly inscribed lines onto canvas,creating textured surfaces that explore the relationship between gesture,time,and material.
The ‘Superflex’ Series: A New Dimension
The Freez London exhibition places particular emphasis on Park Seo Bo’s “Superflex” series, created in the 1990s. This body of work marks a departure from his earlier monochrome paintings, incorporating flexible materials like rubber and metal into his compositions.
* Innovation in Materials: The use of “Superflex” materials allowed Park Seo Bo to explore concepts of tension, flexibility, and the interplay between rigid and yielding forms.
* Conceptual Underpinnings: The series reflects a broader interest in the relationship between the body, space, and perception. The flexible materials invite viewers to consider the dynamic nature of their own experience.
* Evolution of his Style: ‘Superflex’ demonstrates Park Seo Bo’s continued artistic evolution and willingness to experiment wiht new techniques and materials throughout his career.
Exhibition Details: freez London 2025
The exhibition at Freez London is a collaborative effort between several international galleries specializing in Korean art. This partnership underscores the growing global recognition of Dansaekhwa and Park seo Bo’s legacy.
* Location: Freez London, a leading contemporary art fair, will host the exhibition within its dedicated gallery sections.
* Dates: October 2025 (specific dates to be confirmed on the Freez London website).
* Participating Galleries: A consortium of galleries including (but not limited to) Kukje Gallery (Seoul), Blum & Poe (Los Angeles/New York/Tokyo), and Galerie Perrotin (Paris/Hong Kong/New York).
* Featured Works: The exhibition will showcase a curated selection of Park Seo Bo’s Ecriture paintings alongside a comprehensive representation of the Superflex series,including both wall-mounted and sculptural works.
Why This Exhibition Matters: Impact and Meaning
The presentation of ‘Park Seo Bo ~ Superflex’ at Freez London is significant for several reasons. It provides a rare opportunity to view a substantial collection of his work outside of Asia, introducing his art to a wider audience.
* Increased International Recognition: The exhibition will contribute to the growing international recognition of Dansaekhwa and Korean art.
* Contextualizing Post-War korean Art: It offers a valuable insight into the artistic and cultural context of post-war Korea.
* Exploring Materiality and Process: The exhibition encourages viewers to consider the importance of materiality and process in contemporary art.
* investment Potential: Works by Park Seo Bo have seen increasing value in the art market, making this exhibition a point of interest for collectors.
For those interested in exploring similar artistic themes and movements, consider researching:
* Lee Ufan: Another key figure in dansaekhwa, known for his minimalist paintings and sculptures.
* Yun Yeong-nan: A prominent female artist associated with Dansaekhwa, known for her textured monochrome paintings.
* Gutai Art Association (japan): A Japanese avant-garde art movement that shared Dansaekhwa