Korean exhibitors seek new collectors, overseas opportunities, despite mixed sales results at Taiwan's long-running art fair
TAIPEI, Taiwan — Art Taipei concluded its 33rd edition Monday, bringing together international galleries and emerging Taiwanese artists while highlighting growing connections among art markets across Asia.
Organized by the Taiwan Art Gallery Association, the four-day event drew 127 galleries to the Taipei World Trade Center. Under the theme "Symbiosis," the fair explored the relationship between art, technology and contemporary life through works ranging from traditional painting and sculpture to experimental installations and digital art.
South Korea was the largest overseas participant at this year's fair, with 25 galleries, up from 15 last year. Korean exhibitors accounted for more than 40 percent of the 61 international galleries.
Among the Korean participants were Gana Art, Gallery Baton, Print Bakery and Galerie Gaia, which presented Korean contemporary art to Taiwanese audiences while exploring opportunities in the local market.
The growing Korean presence comes amid closer cooperation among Asian art fairs, including through The Collector Circle, an initiative connecting Art Taipei, Kiaf Seoul and Art Jakarta. The program facilitates exchanges among collectors attending participating fairs, introducing artists to audiences beyond their domestic markets.
Beyond commercial activity, the fair featured eight emerging Taiwanese artists through its Made in Taiwan Young Artist Discovery Section. It also extended across Taipei through Taipei Art Week, connecting more than 80 galleries, museums and cultural institutions from Oct. 24 to Nov. 7.
Opportunities beyond immediate sales
For Korean galleries, the expanding regional network offers opportunities to reach new collectors and establish an international presence. Yet experiences on the exhibition floor also highlighted the importance of understanding local preferences and building relationships over time.
At Print Bakery, which was participating for the second time, visitors showed particular interest in the materials and textures of Korean art, according to Lee Seung-hun, a specialist at the gallery's sales headquarters.
"I think there were a lot of people who were curious about textures and materials," Lee told The Korea Herald on Oct. 30. "Rather than asking about the meaning of the works, I think they reacted a lot to the materials."
For Print Bakery, however, participating in the fair was about more than gauging local demand.
"Rather than treating Taiwan as a test bed, I see it as a market where we want to promote ourselves and expand our overseas presence," Lee said.
A representative of Galerie Gaia observed changes in the Taiwanese art scene.
"When I came about 10 years ago, collectors here mainly purchased works by Taiwanese artists," he said. "But coming back this time, I see that more internationally known galleries are participating, so I have some expectations."
The Galerie Gaia representative said he had noticed growing interest in Korean contemporary art, particularly as Korean artists gained greater recognition overseas.
"I think there is a lot of interest. Korean contemporary artists have gained much more recognition in overseas markets, and Korean culture has reached a very global level," he said.
jaaykim@heraldcorp.com
