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Tag Archives: Korea

Showing: Aya Takano – “Let’s Make The Universe A Better Place” @ Perrotin (Seoul)

Currently at the Perrotin space in Seoul, Aya Takano has a new selection of sixteen drawings and ten works on canvas on view in a show entitled Let’s Make The Universe A Better Place. Inspired by a visit to girls’ schools in Korea, the Japanese artist sees herself in the students in uniform – “under strict rules and conformity, homogeneous thoughts and beliefs are encouraged.” This has lead Takano to take a new direction for her instantly recognizable manga-inspired young girls, turning the focus on emotional and interpersonal relationships as […]

Showing: Michael Johansson – “Cubic” @ Changwon Sculpture Biennale

For the currently showing Changwon Sculpture Biennale, Swedish artist Michael Johansson (featured) was invited to create an installation at Yongji Park. Unable to travel to Korea because of the pandemic, the sculptor known for his real life Tetris-like installations, had to design the piece from afar and then supervise the sourcing of local objects and assembly of the artwork. Cubic gives new life to everyday items, a perfectly fitted multiple container-high stack that is “a materialization of the rebirth of the useless and the discarded.” Photo credit: @417stevie & […]

Showing: James Jean – “Eternal Journey” @ Lotte Museum

Last week, the Lotte Museum in Seoul unveiled an expansive retrospective entitled Eternal Journey featuring the art of James Jean (interviewed). The exhibition features over 500 works from the American artist including pieces from his time as a comic book artist, sketchbooks, videos, digital art, and sculptures like a new eight foot tall stained glass obelisk. The  highlight of the show though has the be the room with a series of large scale paintings, prime examples of Jean’s fantastical artistic vision and unparalleled imagination. Photo credit: Giant Robot, […]

Showing: Josh Sperling – “Two Purple Tigers” @ Perrotin (Seoul)

For his first showing in Asia that is on view through the end of the year, Josh Sperling has unveiled a selection of his signature geometric forms executed on a series of shaped canvases. Entitled Two Purple Tigers, the exhibition from the American artist at Perrotin Gallery’s Seoul branch explores the sculptural potential of painting. Drawing from influences that range from Googie-style signs to the Memphis furniture trend of the 1980s to Keith Haring’s figures, the bold angular shapes and sinuous curves of the upstate New York-based artist intrigues […]

Showing: KAWS – “HOLIDAY” Floating Companion @ Seokchon Lake (Seoul)

Judging from these photos, the long teased project from KAWS in Seoul has finally launched with his inflatable companion deployed in Seokchon Lake. Returning to Korea (see 2016) with a 92-foot-long (28 meters) floating HOLIDAY version of his signature character (and associated merch), the Brooklyn-based artist has harnessed the perfect relaxed vibe for this summertime installation. This piece is KAWS’ largest work to date and was masterminded by AllRightsReserved, follow in the footsteps of other similar installations like Florentijn Hofman’s giant floating duck in Hong Kong (covered). Photo credit: AllRightsReserved . Discuss KAWS here.

Previews: KAWS:HOLIDAY Project (Seoul)

Continuing to target the Asian market through which he has scored some record results as of late, KAWS will be unveiling a project (with support from LOTTE) soon with a return to Korea (see 2016). Along with one of the New York-based artist’s companion figures floating in Seoul’s Seokchon Lake, his Korean fans will also be pleased to know there will be an assortment of associated products released just in time for summer including a replica floating figure, inflatable pool bed, T-shirts, umbrella and towel. The 28 meter high inflatable […]

Recap: POW! WOW! Korea 2017

At the end of September, the people behind POW! WOW! Hawaii held their event celebrating culture, music and art in a new country – South Korea. Hitting seven locations in Seoul (Sangdo-dong, Yeonnam-dong, Mullae-dong, Hongdae, Sookmyung Womens’ University, Hapjeong, Janghanpyeong) in eight days, five local artists Jay Flow, Royyal Dog, Xeva, Sixcoin, Yoon Hyup and five overseas artists, Andrew Hem, Cryptik, Jasper Wong, Tristan Eaton, and Persue gave the public a chance to see their live mural painting. Check out a photo recap (including the collaboration between […]

Streets: Shepard Fairey (Seoul)

It looks like Shepard Fairey (featured) recently completed a new mural at the Seoul Arts Center in Korea featuring some of his signature imagery. Entitled Peace & Justice Seoul, the new piece was painted at the Hangaram Art Museum where the American graffiti artist currently has an exhibition with the same name on view thru the 30th. Take a look at some more in-progress photos below… Photo credit: Obey Korea and the artist. Discuss Shepard Fairey here.

FriendsWithYou Installation For Hyundai

Last time FriendsWithYou gifted Asia with an installation, it was in Hong Kong (2012) with an inflatable bouncing creation featuring some of their signature happy-go-lucky characters. This time around, Happy Gift was a 25-feet wide piece, commissioned by the Hyundai, which was publicly exhibited during the month of May at the Hyundai Department Gardens in Seoul. As you can see, it was a big hit for all who were able to interact with the duo’s work. Discuss FriendsWithYou here.

Upcoming: “Takashi in Superflat Wonderland” @ Plateau, Samsung Museum of Art

Today in South Korea, Takashi Murakami opened a new exhibition at Plateau, Samsung Museum of Art featuring over 40 of his artworks. Takashi in Superflat Wonderland will include recent works, but is also a retrospective, and puts the core “Superflat” philosophy behind his art on display. The show runs until December 8th, so stop by for a look if you will be in Seoul during that time. All works by ©Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Photo credit: Portrait – The Korea Herald, Below – johoon, […]