[비즈한국] The ‘Busan International Art Fair,’ a direct-sales art market where artists and audiences meet face-to-face, will open on the 5th of next month.
The K-ART International Exchange Association (Chairperson Hur Sook) announced that the ‘2024 Busan International Art Fair (BIAF)’ will be held for four days from December 5 (Thursday) to 8 (Sunday) at BEXCO Exhibition Center II in Busan. Under the slogan ‘Provocative Sensibility, Impudent Expression,’ some 3,000 works by about 250 domestic and international artists, including those from South Korea and India, will be exhibited and sold.
Now in its 23rd year, the Busan International Art Fair is recognized for having developed the art market in a rational and transparent manner through a format where artists personally man their booths to discuss and sell their works directly to art enthusiasts. It has moved away from the exclusivity of the domestic art market, which has traditionally been formed around large galleries and personal connections, and has improved itself as an open art fair.
Viewing hours are from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with last admission at 6:00 PM. On the final day of the exhibition, December 8, admission closes at 4:00 PM. Admission is 15,000 won for adults and 10,000 won for students, with discounts available for groups of 20 or more.
This year, a special exhibition featuring 25 Indian artists is drawing attention. Curated by Dr. Asharf, a renowned Indian art historian, this special exhibition offers an opportunity to view the diversity of contemporary Indian art. Another special exhibition, the BIAF Save Collection, offers works by established artists at discounted prices, providing more people with the opportunity to own art.
The Busan International Art Fair places particular emphasis on discovering emerging artists, and this year, it will showcase diverse works from 50 new artists, a 40% increase from last year. Individual booths will be provided to these selected artists, who were chosen through portfolio and physical work evaluations, as well as to five outstanding emerging artists from previous BIAFs.
The 2024 BIAF Organizing Committee stated, “We plan to award the New Artist Excellence Award this year through a public evaluation process that considers the positive reception from general visitors,” adding, “In addition to purchasing and awarding works, we will further refine our artist support programs, such as hosting overseas exhibitions and providing booths for next year.”
In addition to the exhibitions, side events will include ‘Provocative and Impudent Chat,’ a three-way talk show with two outstanding emerging artists from last year, and a docent tour covering all participating artists, including the newcomers.
This year, India’s TVS Group and Hyundai Motor Company005380 are participating as sponsors, and are expected to contribute to the cultural and artistic development and expanded exchange between the two nations. Beyond sponsoring the Busan International Art Fair, the TVS Group has contributed to promoting Korean contemporary art throughout India by co-hosting biennales in Chennai and Mumbai. Hyundai Motor Company, joining as a first-time sponsor, has contributed to the global growth and innovation of Korean art as a leading Korean brand and has been actively participating in various international cultural and artistic programs.
Proceeds from this event will be donated to UNICEF. For more information on the exhibition and other details, please visit the Busan International Art Fair website (www.biaf.kr).