Contemporary Korean art comes to London

As the most web-connected nation in the world, South Korea is regarded by many as being at the forefront of technological innovation. It is also gaining momentum in its contemporary arts scene, with impressive state-funded and privately run projects that saw the 2010 value of art exported from the country surpass 136 million US dollars. The country has 625 contemporary art galleries and 142 museums that exhibit contemporary art. We think it's fair to say interest is on the increase. This summer some of the most interesting of those Korean contemporary artists will show their work in London. From late July 34 contemporary Korean artists will be exhibiting at the Saatchi Gallery in London, marking the first time the gallery has given itself over to artworks outside of its own collection.

"Korean Eye is set to play a key role in shaping our understanding of the work of this group of artists and provide a gateway to the wider culture of their homeland says Saatchi gallery CEO Nigel Hurst. "They've absorbed many aspects of contemporary life in Korea and have chosen very individual ways to communicate this, showing extraordinary talent and energy.” 

The gallery’s curatorial team reviewed more than 2,000 artist portfolios in order to select the 100 works that will be shown. The group includes traditional painters as well as young artists experimenting with new media – artists established in their home country as well as near-unknowns.

Moon Beom, Possible Worlds 512 (2007), acrylic and oilstick on panel, 48 x 65 in / 121.9 x 165.1 cm

Lee Kwang-ho makes furniture from household materials such as hoses and electrical wire. Je Baak meanwhile, combines film, video installation, photography and other media to offer an altered perspective on familiar situations. Other artists on the list include Lee Jae-hyo, Moon Beom, Bae Joon-sing, Bahk Seon-ghi, Jang Seung-hyo. 

Korean Eye - sponsored by Standard Chartered Korea and founded by Parallel Media Group chairman David Ciclitira - has been introducing rising Korean artists to wider audiences since 2009. The first exhibition Moon Generation was held in Seoul and London in 2009 followed by 2010's Fantastic Ordinary, held in London, Singapore and Seoul. Energy and Matter previewed in Seoul last September and moved to New York and Abu Dhabi. Korean Eye runs from  26 July – 23 September 2012 at the Saatchi Gallery, London.