Seoul‘s Art Scene Braces for Frieze with Provocative Exhibitions Exploring Loss, Productivity, and Confrontational Sculpture
Seoul’s art calendar is surging ahead of frieze Seoul, with a diverse range of exhibitions poised to captivate visitors. From Adrián Villar Rojas’s imposing sculptures addressing ecological collapse to a nuanced exploration of melancholy in contemporary Korean art, teh city offers a compelling dialog between global concerns and local perspectives. These shows arrive at a moment when the art world is increasingly focused on Asia, and as younger generations grapple with unprecedented pressures related to productivity and societal expectations.
Curated by Kim sung woo, the group show Melancholia, on view at Primary Practice until October 11, traces the past understanding of melancholy-from an ancient humoral imbalance to a Renaissance ideal of creative introspection and a modern medical diagnosis. Featuring works by Daum Kim, dong Hyuk Lee, Ikhyun Gim, and Jinseung Jang, the exhibition examines the tension between longing and acceptance, and the profound sense of loss that lingers after grief.The artists’ video, photography, painting, and installation work resonates with the “chronic fatigue induced by the demand for constant productivity that disproportionately afflicts younger generations,” prompting a reevaluation of foundational beliefs.
Elsewhere, Adrián Villar Rojas’s sculptures at Kukje Gallery present a stark confrontation with environmental degradation.The artist’s large-scale works, frequently enough incorporating organic materials, address the urgency of the climate crisis and the precariousness of the natural world. These exhibitions, alongside others across Seoul, position the city as a vital hub for contemporary art during Frieze week and beyond.