The art world has lost another significant artist- Korean artist Park Seo Bo

I was talking to him just last month during the Frieze-Kiaf Seoul. We were taking photos too. Can't believe that was his last appearance in public. Park Seo-Bo is a prominent figure in modern Korean art and is often recognized as the pioneer of the 'Dansaekhwa' movement.

The artist emphasized three key concepts in Dansaekhwa: the idea of making strokes in painting purposeless and repetitive practices. The evolution of material characteristics through this meditation.

He was a renowned South Korean painter, recognized for his "Écriture" series (starting from 1967), participation in the Korean Art Informel movement, and unique approaches to painting he identified as "Dansaekhwa"

Park Seo Bo | Credit : Park Seo Bo Instagram

In February, Park announced on his social media that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer. In a press conference the following month, Park shared that he was opting out of treatment.

"I've decided to consider the cancer as a friend and live with it. ... I would not be able to paint if I go through a treatment to cure the disease,” he expressed.

Park Seo Bo was also the first Korean artist who collaborated with Louis Vuitton. Park Seo Bo and Louis Vuitton aimed to capture the essence of the original artwork in their collaboration. Several Zoom discussions and sample exchanges paved the way for this translation.

Park Seo Bo meticulously chose vibrant shades of red and burgundy leather. He underwent numerous trials to perfectly mirror the red maple hue from his original work. The chief objective was to embody the distinct feel and texture of Park’s “Ecriture.”

Park Seo Bo Louis Vuitton bag | Credit: Louis Vuitton

Such an insightful and charismatic artist; only last month he was mingling and taking photos with everyone at the Frieze- Kiaf. In just a brief month, he's departed from this world. I'm truly heartbroken. Yet, at the same time, I feel privileged to have witnessed the journey of such a remarkable artist in my era.

Park Seo Bo in hospital | credit Park Seo Bo Instagram

credit : Park Seo Bo Instagram

Find out why London still rules the European art market

One of my dear friends and an art collector who flew all the way from Seoul to London for the Frieze London 20th Edition told me that he thinks London still rules the European art market.

“You have to remember, in London, like in New York or Hong Kong, the primary market is very international,” art dealer Thaddaeus Ropac conveyed to ARTnews. I remember two years ago during the pandemic, people thought London might lose its top spot in the European art market to Paris because of Brexit and the tough Covid-19 situation. But now, with the opening of Frieze London 20th Edition, experts have said that London is still a bigger player just slightly behind New York.

Although I personally view Paris as an expanding market and continue to regard New York as the leading market with ongoing growth. London has been stagnant, especially considering the pound sterling's declining value and the city's current high inflation rate.

Frieze Week London 2023 | Credit : Frieze

Frieze London primarily showcases young living artists, and many rising talents were prominently featured. Back in the years of the economic instability period, there was a shift away from emerging artists, but then it seems like today there remains a strong demand for new contemporary artists. Gallerists and advisors believe this is due to the preferences of a new generation of collectors. Pace Gallery quickly sold a piece by sought-after artist Pam Evelyn, their youngest featured artist, for an asking price believed to be $75,000, though the exact figure wasn't disclosed.

In conclusion, a subdued market doesn't always manifest in decreased sales. Instead, it might be evident in easier availability of once-scarce treasures, galleries more willing to negotiate, and prices that have settled after skyrocketing. Summing up the first day, it turned out more positive than anticipated.

British Museum | Photo by Ryan Stefan on Unsplash

Discover Art at Chatuchak: A Weekend Market for Art Lovers

Thailand has left an indelible impression on me. My best friend and I embarked on a weekend getaway, hoping to savor the last remnants of summer. We chose Bangkok – a place my friend adores. While I've been to Bangkok before, my memories of the city remained vague. As is my habit, I turned to Google to scout for galleries to visit; after all, traveling wouldn't be fun without a gallery visit or two. If someone said in the past that there's nothing much to see in Bangkok when it comes to art, I would definitely agree without hesitation—but what I found today is Bangkok has now come a long way for the art scene to rise exponentially with many art galleries opening up everywhere in the city, talented artists also increase in number.

Me and my friend decided to explore the renowned Chatuchak weekend market. Chatuchak market stands out as one of Bangkok's prime destinations for original artwork. This hub features an array of booths and galleries curated by local artists. From traditional Buddhist depictions to contemporary pop art, and stretching the boundaries of 'abstract', the range of artwork appeals to a broad audience. Venture into the Art Section, the artists most of whom are also happy to work on commissions, painting, or creating the art piece you want. It won’t even cost you much more than an existing piece of work either.

Many of the artists have been established there for decades, making them highly sought-after. However, they are dependable and can reliably complete individual art commissions, even if you request the piece after your visit.

Gallery in Chatuchak market

Gallery in Chatuchak

Gallery in Chatuichak market

Gallery in Chatuchak market

I am paper cutter not painter

Gallery in Chatuchak market

i am paper cutter not painter

Beautiful galleryin Chatuchak

Potrait of Andy Warhol by Tum

Painting of a woman

Chatuchak weekend market