Dansaekhwa, a distinctive style of monochromatic painting that has shaped the global perception of South Korean art, is taking center stage at the fifth edition of Frieze Seoul, which opens to the public this Thursday. The movement, which emerged more than five decades ago, remains influential both commercially and artistically, attracting collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide.
A highlight of the fair is the display of Kim Tschang-Yeul’s 1991 work “Recurrence SNM93016,” a large-scale painting featuring a single water drop set against a rust-colored background. Kim, who passed away in 2021, devoted much of his career to this motif, creating works that are seen as philosophical meditations through repetition and subtle variation. Gallery Hyundai, owned by HyungTeh Do, is presenting this and approximately 14 other pieces by Kim, alongside works by fellow Dansaekhwa artist Seungtaek Lee. Both artists experienced the Korean War and are recognized as foundational figures in the movement.
The Japanese gallery Tokyo Gallery + BTAP, established in 1950, will exhibit part of Park Seo-Bo’s “Ecriture” series. Park, who died in 2023 at age 91, is acknowledged as one of the pioneers of Dansaekhwa. Several other galleries at the fair are also showcasing Dansaekhwa artists, including Seoul’s PKM Gallery featuring Yun Hyong-keun, Wooson Gallery with Choi Byung-So, and Almine Rech displaying works by Kim, Ha Chong-Hyun, and others. Thaddaeus Ropac Seoul will present a painting by Lee Ufan, a prominent painter associated with both Dansaekhwa and the Japanese Mono-ha movement, whose work is currently receiving international attention through solo exhibitions in Venice and Porto.
Alongside Frieze Seoul, the 20-year-old Kiaf Seoul art fair runs concurrently in the Coex center. Johyun Gallery from Busan will present works by Park and Yun, reaffirming the enduring interest in Dansaekhwa figures.
However, the narrative of South Korean contemporary art is expanding beyond Dansaekhwa, reflecting a broader spectrum of artistic expressions. Jaewoo Choi, president of Johyun Gallery, noted that the international art world is increasingly embracing diverse styles beyond the monochromatic tradition. Artists like Lee Kang-So, who influenced the avant-garde and experimentalism movements that developed alongside Dansaekhwa, are gaining greater recognition. Lee Bae, known for his charcoal drawings and minimalist sculptures, represents a generation of artists building on Dansaekhwa’s legacy with their own distinct visual languages.
Tokyo Gallery + BTAP is also presenting Japanese Mono-ha artists, including Susumu Kokomizu and Kishio Suga, illuminating the parallels and contrasts between these two contemporary movements. Senior director Hiroyuki Sasaki emphasized Lee Ufan’s role as a cultural bridge, connecting Korean and Japanese art and linking traditional and modern practices.
As interest in Dansaekhwa endures, collectors are increasingly turning their attention to emerging artists and fresh forms of artistic expression. The movement’s historical significance and aesthetic principles have laid the foundation for the global recognition of Korean art and continue to shape its evolving identity.