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Museum_Art Voice What the Damien Hirst Exhibition at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Means: The Museum's ‘After Symbolic Capital’ The Damien Hirst exhibition held at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art carries a meaning that goes beyond that of a typical exhibition of a famous overseas artist. It is an event that introduces a single artist, but at the same time it serves as an occasion to reconsider how the system of contemporary art operates today and what role a national museum should play within that structure
2026.03.17

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Museum_Art Voice What the Damien Hirst Exhibition at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Means: The Museum's ‘After Symbolic Capital’

The Damien Hirst exhibition held at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art carries a meaning that goes beyond that of a typical exhibition of a famous overseas artist. It is an event that introduces a single artist, but at the same time it serves as an occasion to reconsider how the system of contemporary art operates today and what role a national museum should play within that structure

2026.03.17
Art+_Art Voice The “Korea Artist Prize” at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art: What Is at Stake? Institutional Representation, Public Accountability, and International Strategy

The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA), in partnership with the SBS Foundation, has announced the shortlisted artists for the “Korea Artist Prize 2026”

2026.02.24
Art+_Art Voice Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of Nam June Paik’s Passing: Rethinking Korea Today, Nam June Paik and the Whitney Biennial Seoul 1993

The year 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of the passing of Nam June Paik (1932–2006). Long before the emergence of the World Wide Web, Paik envisioned a globally networked society. In 1974, he began conceptualizing Electronic Superhighway, anticipating the cultural and social transformations that digital networks would bring. As early as 1964, he introduced Robot K-456, bringing the relationship between humans and machines into the realm of artistic experimentation.

2026.01.27
Art+_Art Voice Where Is Korea’s Contemporary Art Support System Headed? A Cultural Policy Obsessed with Results

President Lee Jae-myung recently emphasized that “in the international society of the 21st century, culture is at the core of national prestige and national power,” adding that “even an additional supplementary budget should be arranged if necessary to restore and strengthen the foundations of culture and the arts.”

2026.01.20
Art+_Art Voice Korean Contemporary Art: Who Produces the Discourse?

In recent years, Korean contemporary art has no longer remained on the periphery of the global art world. Korean artists are continuously invited to major biennials and international museums, and in terms of both form and subject matter, Korean contemporary art has increasingly demonstrated the ability to respond to global artistic standards.

2026.01.06
Art Fair_Art Voice Frieze and Kiaf Agree to a Five-Year Extension: Partnership or Dependence? Kiaf’s Challenge on the Path to Becoming a Global Art Fair

The partnership between Frieze Seoul and Kiaf SEOUL has been extended for an additional five years. Approved with near-unanimous support at an extraordinary general meeting of the Galleries Association of Korea, the decision represents more than a simple contract renewal. It signals how the association—which oversees and operates Kiaf—currently understands and positions the structure of the art fair within Korea’s art ecosystem.

2025.12.23

Art Insights

Providing insightful perspectives and in-depth analysis of Korean contemporary art.
Art+_Art Insight A $6.2 Million Banana: The End of Art or a New Beginning?

On November 20th, Maurizio Cattelan’s artwork, Comedian, once again stunned the world when it sold for $6.2 million (approximately KRW 8.67 billion) at Sotheby’s in New York. This event transcends mere sensationalism, offering a philosophical lens to reassess how contemporary art functions within the capitalist system.

2024.11.26
Artist_Art Insight The Atmosphere of That Day and Place

Jong Oh has been creating work that involves staying in the space where his pieces will be installed, observing and feeling the architectural elements and invisible sensations of that place, and visualizing these through constructive forms.

2024.10.15
Art Theory_Art Guide Modern, Postmodern, Contemporary

What we commonly refer to as "art" (예술 in Korean) consists of "craft" (藝) and "technique" (術). The English word "art" originates from the Greek word "ars," meaning technique (techne). Before the 17th century, practical arts such as architecture, crafts, and design were all referred to as "art." However, as painting and sculpture separated from architecture, they came to be called fine art.

2024.10.08
Art Theory_Art Insight Illuminating Korean Experimental Art (6)

Korean experimental art is driven by artists seeking to experiment and innovate and is comprised of attempts to overcome conventional art forms and experiences. In these attempts, artists have pushed the boundaries of convention and created original works, helping shape a culture that values artistic freedom and diversity.

2023.09.18
Art Theory_Art Insight Illuminating Korean Experimental Art (5)

While there are countless artists who have contributed to the development of the experimental art movement, we will highlight a few of them in the hope that their work will help more people to better understand the landscape of experimental art in Korea.

2023.09.11
Art Theory_Art Insight Illuminating Korean Experimental Art (4)

This article will provide a brief introduction to the prominent groups such as Korean Avant-Garde Association” (A.G., 1969–1975), “Space & Time” (S.T., 1969–1981), and “The Fourth Group” (1970).

2023.09.04