Curating Seoul: An Art Historian’s Perspective on Frieze 2026
Art historian and curator Yeon Shim Chung has identified five standout pieces from the Frieze Seoul 2026 Viewing Room. Her selections reflect a blend of playful energy, conceptual depth, and emotional resonance. Among her picks is Geoffroy Pithon’s acrylic and oil stick piece, Printemps 2. She describes the work as organic and maze-like, noting how its construction captures both intense energy and calm. Pithon’s approach represents an discovery for Chung at this year’s fair.
Conceptual Gravity and Tactile Landscapes
The selection process highlights a contrast between the ethereal and the grounded. Koo Jeong A’s bronze and gold-plated sculpture, SpSt Y, caught Chung’s attention for its apparent defiance of gravity. She finds humor in the figure’s precarious balance, which serves as a stark contrast to the more meditative works in her list. This piece pushes the boundaries of material presence, drawing viewers into a conversation about levitation and the senses.
Po Po’s Painting for the Blind #4 offers a different experience. Originally created in 1986 and reconstructed in 2015, this oil and nail canvas invites touch rather than sight. Chung appreciates how the artist uses nails from behind the canvas to create indentations. This method mimics Braille and challenges the viewer to engage with art through feeling, offering a quiet, introspective start to the day. It highlights a shift in perception that transcends traditional visual experience.
Portraits and Memorials
Amoako Boafo’s Black Camisole showcases a distinct technical approach. Boafo applies oil and pastel with his fingers, resulting in a tactile quality that brings his female subjects to life. Chung notes the interplay between skin tones and decorative clothing. The intensity of his technique provides a visceral experience that separates his work from more traditional brush-based portraiture.
The final choice is Bae Young-Whan’s Untitled (Autonumina – matte black). Chung notes that Bae, a prominent Korean artist, passed away in June 2026. This ceramic work renders invisible brainwave rhythms as sculptural forms, evoking traditional East Asian landscapes. It serves as a reflection on the inner mindscape. For Chung, this piece represents a personal connection to a colleague, turning the act of viewing into a moment of contemplation regarding the soul.
The Role of the Viewing Room
The Frieze Viewing Room operates from August 26 through September 13, 2026. It provides a digital space for global audiences to browse gallery presentations from the Seoul fair. Users can filter results by artist, medium, and price. This platform allows collectors to connect with galleries and save favorite items. As the art world increasingly integrates digital access, these virtual spaces remain a primary tool for those unable to attend the physical event. Chung’s list offers a focused path for navigating this wide array of global inventory.