MMCA Unveils Monumental 2025 Exhibitions: A Deep Dive into Korean Art’s Evolution
The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA) is set to captivate art enthusiasts in 2025 with three major permanent exhibitions that meticulously trace the arc of Korean modern and contemporary art. Drawing from its distinguished and ever-growing collection, these ambitious shows, spanning both MMCA Gwacheon and MMCA Seoul, promise a panoramic yet nuanced exploration of the nation’s artistic heritage.
Since its inception in 1969, the MMCA has been a steadfast guardian of Korean art, diligently collecting, preserving, and researching importent works and archival materials. With a collection exceeding 11,800 pieces, bolstered by the transformative 2021 donation from the Lee Kun-hee Collection, the museum is poised to present its most comprehensive overview of Korean art to date.
At MMCA Seoul, MMCA Collection: Korean Contemporary Art will offer a compelling survey of 86 pivotal works from the 1960s to the 2010s. Featuring luminaries such as Paik Nam June, Lee Bul, Suh do ho, and Bahc Yiso, this exhibition is thoughtfully organized into six thematic sections, navigating the diverse landscape of abstraction, experimentation, hybridity, conceptualism, and documentary practices. Designed as a focused highlight reel, the exhibition provides a concentrated glimpse into the dynamism and complexity of Korea’s contemporary art scene.
Complementing the Seoul presentation, MMCA Gwacheon will host the expansive MMCA Collection: Korean Modern and Contemporary Art I and II. Part I delves into Korean art from the early 20th century up to the Korean War,showcasing over 150 works by 70 artists,including Chae Yongshin,Park Rehyun,Kim Kichang,and Lee Jungseop.Part II continues this historical narrative from the 1950s through the 1990s, spotlighting influential movements like Informel, Dansaekhwa, Experimental art, Modernist Women Artists, and the resurgence of figuration during the era of democratization.Collectively, these two exhibitions will feature more than 250 works by 140 artists, with 61 pieces from the lee Kun-hee collection marking its most significant presentation at MMCA Gwacheon to date.
These Gwacheon exhibitions are conceived as dynamic, evolving displays, structured around intersecting themes of era, style, subject, and authorship. A signature element is the “artist Room” series, offering immersive, in-depth encounters with artists like Oh Chiho, Lee Jungseop, Park Rehyun & Kim Kichang, Kim Whanki, and Yun Hyong-keun.These dedicated spaces transcend the visual, incorporating olfactory and auditory elements-such as a unique scent for Kim Whanki and a curated music playlist for Yun Hyong-keun-to deepen visitor engagement with the artists’ sensory worlds.
To facilitate a comprehensive artistic journey,MMCA offers a complimentary art shuttle connecting the Seoul and Gwacheon branches four times daily. Visitors are encouraged to embark on a full-day exploration, beginning with Korean Contemporary Art in Seoul and then transitioning to Gwacheon to experiance the expansive historical narrative. This itinerary presents a rare chance to reflect on the complete trajectory of Korean art, from its early modern encounters to its profound global resonance.
“These exhibitions embody MMCA’s commitment to presenting Korean art in both its historical depth and contemporary complexity,” states MMCA Director Kim Sunghee. “By integrating collection, research, and education, we hope to foster a deeper understanding and thankfulness of the remarkable journey of korean art.”
