Seoul Auction will hold an art sale in Busan for the first time in four years, featuring major works by Kim Chong-sik, a first-generation modern Western-style painter who came to represent the port city, as well as a piece by video art pioneer Nam June Paik making its debut at a domestic auction.
The auction house said on the 11th that the "Busan Sale" will take place on the 23rd at the Grand Josun Busan hotel in the city's Haeundae District. A total of 107 lots will be offered, including 69 modern and contemporary works, 25 antiques and 13 luxury items. Based on low estimates, the combined value comes to about 6.1 billion won ($4.3 million).
Works depicting Busan landscapes take center stage at the sale in the southern port city. Kim Chong-sik (1918-1988), a first-generation Western-style painter of Busan's modern art scene, is the leading example. Born in Busan and active there throughout his life, Kim drew on the city's mountains, seas and harbors as his main subjects. His "Sunset at Busan Port" (estimated at 1.2 million to 5 million won) and "Gwangalli" (estimated at 1.8 million to 6 million won) capture the city's coastal scenery with bold color and forceful brushwork.
"Internet Dweller: sw. six. Sa," a 1994 work by media art master Nam June Paik, is drawing attention as the first of the series to be offered at a Korean auction. Built in the shape of a robot from vintage televisions, cameras, antennas and vacuum tubes, the piece reflects the artist's humor and insight in anticipating the age of digital networks. Also on offer are calligraphic works by modern and contemporary historical figures including Kim Koo, Rhee Syng-man and Park Chung-hee, along with antique works by Kang Se-hwang, Kim Hong-do and Kim Jeong-hui. Seoul Auction will display the lots at its Gangnam Center in Seoul through the 17th, then hold a preview at the Grand Josun Busan from the 20th until the day of the sale.