[비즈한국] Beyond Korea to Asia, and from Asia to the world. The '2025 Eurasia Busan International Art Fair' in partnership with UNICEF held its opening ceremony at BEXCO Exhibition Center II in Busan on the 4th, officially marking the start of the event. Through Sunday the 7th, 3,000 works by approximately 250 domestic and international artists will be exhibited and available for purchase.
The Busan International Art Fair, where artists and consumers trade directly, began in 2007 and is now in its 24th year. This year, it moves forward as a hub of artistic communication connecting East and West. By featuring special exhibitions of famous Indian artists, a special showcase of the last masterpieces of the 20th-century Soviet Union, and special booths for Eurasian artists, the fair presents art from diverse cultural spheres including Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Ukraine, India, and Mongolia. The significance of cultural exchange has been expanded beyond Asia to reach Europe.
Domestic participation includes booths for approximately 100 invited and selected artists, as well as the Busan-Gyeongnam artist group, the 'Sang' group special exhibition, and 40 emerging artists who represent the future of Korean art. Works by six 'art-tainers,' including actor Choi Min-soo, singer Park Joo-hee, and rapper Outsider, are also on display.
This year’s slogan is 'Beyond the Handiwork, Seeing the Other Shore.' 'Hojakjil,' meaning idle handiwork, serves as a metaphor for effortless brushstrokes and free movement. It speaks to the essence of painting, implying that layers of brushstrokes eventually lead to a world of enlightenment.
The opening ceremony, held at 5 PM, was attended by numerous guests, including Heo Sook, Chairperson of the K-Art International Exchange Association, which operates the event; Venerable Subul, Korean Chairperson of the Busan International Art Fair Organizing Committee; former lawmaker Kim Doo-kwan; Rathi Jafer, Director of the InKo Centre, an Indian partner; and artist Sobhan Kumar.
Following the opening declaration by Chairperson Heo Sook, Organizing Committee Chairman Jung Cheon-sik delivered a welcome speech. Chairman Jung stated, "This is the first year of the event as the Busan International Art Fair takes a global leap beyond Asia to Eurasia. I hope you have a wonderful time discovering great works at the Eurasia Busan International Art Fair, where artists manage their own booths and engage directly with visitors."
Venerable Subul offered his congratulations, saying, "I hope this becomes a happy time where you can communicate directly with artists and naturally trade the exhibited works."
Indian Ambassador to South Korea Auyeerangallal Das's congratulatory message was read by Rathi Jafer, Director of the InKo Centre, celebrating the opening of the 2025 Eurasia Busan International Art Fair. Ambassador Das stated, "In the Indian section, you can see works that capture the diversity and dynamism of contemporary Indian art and various aspects of Indian society. Art always connects people with people, bridges imagination with reality, and connects individuals with society. Art is a force for good in the world." He added, "The Busan International Art Fair contributes to the cooperation between our two nations—India and Korea—both being cultural powerhouses with a rich artistic heritage. I hope the spirit of dialogue, cooperation, and compassion continues to grow."
Former Gyeongnam Governor and lawmaker Kim Doo-kwan also attended, adding his congratulations: "It is a truly beautiful evening. I hope citizens of Busan and Gyeongnam can enjoy this excellent exhibition together."
The 2025 Eurasia Busan International Art Fair donates a portion of its proceeds to UNICEF, which works for children around the world. Cho Mi-jin, Secretary General of the UNICEF Korea Committee, expressed her gratitude, saying, "We have been with the Busan International Art Fair for eight years. Those who come here are not only excellent in their appreciation of art but also share a heart for helping children."
Singer Park Joo-hee, famous for her hit 'Jagiya,' attended as an artist. Artist Park remarked, "Thank you for inviting me to such a meaningful event. Everyone, please enjoy it to the fullest."
At the opening ceremony, artist Joo Tae-seok received the Grand Prize for Korean Artists, and artist Lee Jae-sun received the 1st Representative Invited Artist Award.
The exhibition hall opens at 10 AM daily and closes at 7 PM. On the final day, the 7th, visitors can view the exhibition until 5 PM.