When AI remakes images, photographers turn back to reality at Kukje Gallery

What can photography still do in the age of artificial intelligence? Two exhibitions at Kukje Gallery offer a chance to contemplate the question, bringing together nine Korean photographers and the late American photographer Robert Mapplethorpe in a broad exploration of photography's enduring relationship with form, observation and material reality. The centerpiece is "Objects in Oscillation," a group exhibition curated by acclaimed Korean photographer Koo Bohn-chang, featuring works by nine con

2026-06-19 13:08:05:00

[Treasures from National Museum of Korea] White Porcelain Jar with an Openwork Peony and Scroll Design

Period: Joseon Materials: Ceramics, white porcelain Category: Flower vase Dimensions: 26.5 cm tall This 18th-century white porcelain vase is a rare example of elaborate craftsmanship in Joseon ceramics. The vessel consists of two parts, with an openwork outer layer encasing a cylindrical inner jar. A vine motif encircles the neck, while a relief design of a ceremonial scepter (yeouidumun) appears near the foot. The body is densely decorated with an intricate openwork peony pattern. Covered with

2026-06-17 13:55:10:00

Architect Byoung Cho debuts as artist

Architect Byoung Cho, known in Korea as Cho Byoung-soo, has long been celebrated for his earthbound architecture, earning him the nickname “the architect of the earth.” “My parents always told me that I should know where I came from,” Cho said Wednesday during an interview at BB&M Gallery in Seoul. “Every school vacation, they would send me to our family’s rural hometown in Sangju. Although I grew up in Seoul, there was a period when I preferred the countryside.” "I especially loved the smells a

2026-06-16 19:17:47:00

Why was Seoul chosen as part of Pompidou's expansion abroad?

Centre Pompidou is undergoing a major transformation ahead of its 2030 reopening. In the meantime, the renowned French institution has increasingly looked beyond France for international partners, with Seoul emerging as one of the most significant. “The choice of Seoul as a partner city is no coincidence,” Centre Pompidou President Laurent Le Bon said in a recent written interview with The Korea Herald, citing the rapid growth of Korea’s cultural landscape and its increasing global influence. As

2026-06-15 14:25:03:00

How many art fairs are too many?

When Frieze Seoul arrived in 2022, South Korea's capital quickly emerged as one of Asia's most closely watched art hubs, and its growing ecosystem of museums, galleries, collectors and audiences fueled optimism about the city's potential. But the art scene's newfound prominence brought another phenomenon: a rapid increase in the number of art fairs. Just five years ago, only a handful of fairs were considered essential stops for collectors and art enthusiasts, including Kiaf Seoul, Galleries Art

2026-06-10 18:07:00:00

Frieze Seoul expands Asia-Pacific focus as Kiaf marks 25th anniversary

Kiaf Seoul and Frieze Seoul will return in September for their fifth collaboration, bringing together more than 300 galleries from around the world at Coex in Seoul. Kiaf Seoul will host 175 galleries from 18 countries, while Frieze Seoul will present more than 125 galleries from over 30 countries, highlighting the growing importance of the Asia-Pacific region, where more than 70 percent of participating galleries are based. The two fairs both kick off Sept. 2, with Frieze Seoul continuing throu

2026-06-10 17:46:36:00

Art Center Nabi reopens after relocation from SK headquarters

Art Center Nabi, one of Korea’s pioneering media art institutions, reopens Thursday in Sagandong, central Seoul, after leaving its home in SK Group’s Seorin Building, marking a new chapter for the space founded by Roh Soh-young. Established in 2000 as the media art museum, Art Center Nabi has explored the intersection of art and technology, emerging as a successor to the Walkerhill Art Museum. The move to Sagandong follows the institution’s departure from the SK headquarters building, where it h

2026-06-08 15:20:37:00

Gwangju Biennale to select artistic director through open call for first time

The Gwangju Biennale Foundation will select the artistic director of the 17th Gwangju Biennale through an open international call, replacing its longstanding recommendation-based appointment system. Under the previous system, artistic directors were selected from a pool of candidates recommended by a small committee. The foundation said the new approach is intended to create a "more open selection process," while placing greater emphasis on curatorial vision, exhibition content and planning capa

2026-06-05 15:58:00:00

Katherine Bradford’s dreamlike paintings arrive in Seoul

Faceless figures swim together in a big universal pool, walk toward a giant yellow moon and drift across evening skies in Katherine Bradford’s dreamlike paintings. The American artist’s first solo exhibition in Korea, “Living a Dream,” brings around 20 recent works to Gallery Hyundai through July 12. The exhibition introduces Bradford’s distinctive visual language shaped by recurring motifs such as mothers, superheroes and figures in water. Notable featured works include “Mothers Group,” “Sleep

2026-06-05 13:52:04:00

Centre Pompidou Hanwha opens in Seoul amid art-washing criticism

Centre Pompidou Hanwha opened its doors Thursday amid controversy over allegations of art-washing, with domestic and international civic groups and arts organizations criticizing Hanwha Group's partnership with the Paris-based Centre Pompidou. The criticism gained momentum after protesters staged a demonstration during the museum's press opening on May 19, raising questions about the defense conglomerate's growing involvement in the cultural sector through the Hanwha Foundation of Culture, estab

2026-06-04 15:22:45:00