Art Busan ©Whitestone Gallery

The 13th edition of Art Busan 2024 unfolded from May 9th to 12th, spanning four days in Busan, South Korea's representative resort destination. Following the Korea International Art Fair (KIAF) - Frieze, Art Busan is the second-largest art fair in Korea. 129 galleries from 20 countries participated this year, such as Kukje Gallery, Johyun Gallery, Gana Art, PKM Gallery, Hakgojae, Gallery BHAK, Jason Haam, Tang Contemporary Art, Whitestone Gallery, and Société.

Whitestone Gallery Booth at Art Busan 2024

Whitestone Gallery welcomed visitors at booth B-22, located at the center of the BEXCO exhibition hall. Particularly, new works by Korean artists such as Soonik Kwon, Jung Hai-yun, Kim Deok-han, and Lee Jae-hyun attracted significant interest from collectors and were successfully sold. The works of Japanese artists Kohei Kyomori, Karen Shiozawa, Miyako Terakura, and Masayuki Tsubota, previously showcased during last year's event, once again captivated the attention of collectors in Busan.

Whitestone Gallery Booth at Art Busan 2024

The works of Japanese artist Aruta Soup, unveiled for the first time at this year's Art Busan, received high acclaim from collectors. This attention further heightens anticipation for his debut solo exhibition in Seoul next spring.

Aruta Soup artworks at Art Busan 2024 ©Whitestone Gallery

See Artworks of Aruta Soup

Furthermore, Art Busan 2024 spotlighted its exclusive exhibition area, 'Connect,' featuring nine booths. Among them, the 'HERSTORY' section highlighted female artists representing the first generation of contemporary Asian art. Visitors had the opportunity to admire works by Tanaka Atsuko (1932–2005), a prominent Japanese female Gutai artist and a key figure represented by Whitestone Gallery. Additionally, the section exhibited works by renowned female artists from East Asia, such as Kusama Yayoi, Kangja JUNG, and Xiao Lu, as well as from the West, including Cindy Sherman and Jenny Holzer.

More About Tanaka Atsuko

© ArtBusan

However, Art Busan seemed to mark the onset of a turbulent phase in Korea's art market this year. The sentiment that it’s a time to contemplate new directions amidst the waves of change within the domestic art fairs is widespread. Art Busan, as South Korea's premier resort destination and secondary capital, holds significant allure and importance for visitors. Even amid the fluctuating art market, the vibrant and diverse essence of Busan, coupled with the appeal of contemporary art, continues to lead audiences on a romantic journey where art and love coexist annually.

© ArtBusan

Look Back at Art Busan 2023