Must-see art exhibitions in Seoul this July

 
The three artists invent new forms and play with materials that “whimsically” fill up the typical white cube-like gallery space.
 
Moon uses mud, glass and wood that were collected from the Han River to turn them into ceramics that are reminiscent of boulders.  
 
Choi, who was named the winner of the 2024 Frieze Seoul Artist Award, is known for reusing old appliance parts. Her “Trophy” series on display at the gallery consists of curvy brass pipes that hang from the walls, which the artist bent herself.
 
Hyen’s pink silicone blob sculptures explore the concept of physicality.
 
G Gallery, located in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, is open Mondays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The exhibition is free.
 
(02) 790-4921
www.ggallery.kr

Installation view of ″Traces and Threads″ at Konig Seoul [KONIG SEOUL]

 
 
TRACES AND THREADS



Konig Seoul
Through July 27: Twelve female artists who are all Asian or of Asian descent have come together to present some 40 artworks that explore the concept of lines.
 
Though the works on view are collectively referred to as “drawings,” they do not necessarily take the traditional pen-on-paper format, but are expressed through charcoal sketches, acrylics on cardboard, paper sculptures and even knitted, shredded maps.
 
Artist Shin Min deals with the stories of the young female working-class community through her papier-mâché-like sculptures that were made from French fry boxes from fast food chains. Depicting the upper half of young females with ponytails and comical scowls, every detail, up to a single strand of hair, has been drawn by pencil.
 
Konig Seoul, located in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The exhibition is free.
 
(02) 3442-6968
www.koeniggalerie.com

Installation view of ″Samsam″ at Gallery Hyundai [GALLERY HYUNDAI]

 
SAMSAM



Gallery Hyundai
Through Aug. 4: This is the solo exhibition of artist Lee Seul-gi. The title of the exhibition derives from the Korean adjective that means “to be decently attractive” or “unforgettably apparent,” summarizing Lee’s artistic universe.
 
The France-based, Korean artist is known for works that utilize everyday objects that are vibrantly colored or geometrically patterned. This exhibition focuses on the concept of “holes,” as depicted in her wooden dancheong (traditional Korean decorative coloring) grid door frames or colorful steel hoop installation.
 
The exhibition introduces Lee’s latest series, the “Biane Hanging Board Project,” which has camouflaged Korean onomatopoeias or mimetic words onto the surfaces of wooden boards.
 
Gallery Hyundai, located in Jongno District, central Seoul, is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The exhibition is free.
 
(02) 2287-3500
www.galleryhyundai.com

BY SHIN MIN-HEE [shin.minhee@joongang.co.kr]