Korean Hyper-Realist Works Draw Strong Attention from European Collectors. Unconventional Works Including Tire Sculptures Attract Heavy Foot Traffic; President Roh Moo-hyun Also Visits During European Tour

“Europe’s art market at the forefront of the avant-garde.”

A 30-minute drive from central Madrid brings visitors to IFEMA (Institución Ferial de Madrid), a vast, state-of-the-art exhibition complex whose cutting-edge architecture stands in stark contrast to the historic character of the Spanish capital. From the 15th, for five days, Halls 7 and 9 host “ARCOmadrid”, one of the world’s leading international contemporary art fairs.
 
At the pre-opening (pre-open) held a day earlier for VIP collectors, crowds gathered early with the clear intention of acquiring works. Approximately 260 galleries from 30 countries are participating in this year’s fair. As the guest country of honor, 14 Korean galleries completed their installations in preparation for welcoming international collectors.
 
Among the Korean works, hyper-realist painting and sculpture drew particular attention. While hyper-realism has been actively introduced in Korea since last year, such works remain relatively scarce in the European market, heightening collectors’ interest.

Works made from unconventional materials—such as tires, Styrofoam, and rice grains—also attracted large crowds. Riding this momentum, pieces by hyper-realist artists Lee Jung-woong and Ahn Sung-ha, as well as sculptures made from discarded tires by JI Yongho and Styrofoam installations by Kwon Ki-soo, recorded strong sales on the opening day.
 
Gana Art Gallery sold two works from JI Yongho’s ‘Mutant’ series, two pieces from Bae Bien-u’s ‘Pine Tree’ series, two works from Lee Jung-woong’s ‘Brush’ series, Jeon Byung-hyun’s ‘Blossom’, and Ahn Sung-ha’s Untitled immediately upon the VIP opening. At CAIS Gallery, red “sold” stickers were also seen on works by Kim Bo-min and Moon Sung-sik.

Sales prospects were equally strong for Korean galleries participating for the first time. Sun Contemporary sold nine hardcore sculptures by Chun Sung-myung and ten sculptures from Debi Han’s The Conditions of Beauty. Rho Gallery reported the sale of Lee Kang Wook’s painting Invisible Space, while ARARIO Gallery successfully placed Gwon Osang’s sculpture Error.

Hakgojae Gallery sold three pieces from Kang Ik-joong’s installation Happy World along with three paintings by Germany-based artist Song Hyun-sook, and Gallery Hyundai confirmed the sale of one work from Bae Joon-sung’s ‘Clothes of Painters’ series.
 
Lee Ok-kyung, CEO of Gana Art Gallery, commented, “Compared to major European art fairs such as Basel or Bern, “ARCOmadrid” may be smaller in scale relative to its reputation. However, supported by Spain’s recent economic growth, purchasing power here has been increasing rapidly. We hope that this event, with such a large presence of Korean artists, will serve as a catalyst for future overseas solo exhibitions.”
 
Meanwhile, during his official European tour, President Roh Moo-hyun and First Lady Kwon Yang-sook visited the art fair alongside King Juan Carlos I of Spain and Queen Sofía, touring the Korean gallery booths and offering words of encouragement to gallery representatives.