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
2026.03.17The 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”
2026.02.24The 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.
2026.01.27President 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.”
2026.01.20In 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.
2026.01.06The 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.
2025.12.23On 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.
2024.11.26Jong 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.
2024.10.15What 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.
2024.10.08Korean 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.
2023.09.18While 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.
2023.09.11This 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