The Largest Art Market in Honam, 'Gwangju International Art Fair,' to Be Held from the 23rd to 26th

Gwangju Metropolitan City stated that the 16th Gwangju International Art Fair (Art:Gwangju), the largest art market in Honam, will take place from the 23rd to the 26th at the Kim Daejung Convention Center.
At the opening ceremony on the 23rd, more than 500 people, including Gwangju Mayor Kang Gi-jung, gallery officials from Korea and abroad, artists, and citizens, attended and contributed to the festive atmosphere. Visitors to the exhibition enjoyed the diversity and appeal of art by viewing works from renowned domestic and international artists as well as fresh attempts by emerging young artists.
This year's Art:Gwangju features 94 galleries from 11 countries, presenting a wide variety of contemporary artworks across 105 exhibition booths.
Notably, 45 galleries from the Gwangju area are participating, marking the largest scale to date and reflecting the growth of the local art market.
Among the international galleries, Japan's Seiya Fine Art is exhibiting works by Takashi Murakami, while Spain's Chaiter Art Gallery is showcasing pieces by Duvan Lopez, known as the 'Picasso of Colombia,' attracting significant attention.
From Korea, Sun Gallery, Art Works Paris Seoul Gallery, Gungdong Gallery, and Artspace House are participating, presenting works by masters such as Whanki Kim, Kim Tschang-yeul, Nam June Paik, and Oh Chiho, alongside pieces by younger artists like Lee Lee Nam and Haru.K.
This year's exhibition highlights intergenerational communication and artistic depth through three special exhibitions. 'Breath of the Masters' spotlights the world of Yeosu-born artist Sangki Son for the first time in Gwangju. The 'Propose' exhibition unveils works by 23 artists, including Yayoi Kusama, Takashi Murakami, and Kang Yong-woon, from local collectors. The 'Rising Star' exhibition features young artists such as Son Ji-won, Jung Songhee, and Ye-Sol Kwon, selected through a public contest, presenting the future of the regional art scene.
A variety of citizen participation programs are also available. Throughout the exhibition hall, collector and public lounges have been expanded as rest areas, and family visitors can enjoy free hands-on booths to make keyrings and fabric calendars, creating a visitor-friendly environment.
The newly introduced VIP ticket system offers differentiated benefits such as unlimited entry during the event, access to exclusive lounges, and guided docent tours, allowing visitors to experience art in greater depth.
Mayor Kang Gi-jung remarked, "Art:Gwangju is a cultural venue created by the collaboration of art, industry, and citizens," adding, "I hope Gwangju will design its future through art and emerge as a hub for Asian art exchange."
hwangtae@fnnews.com Hwang Tae-jong Reporter