Numerous gallery exhibitions are taking place throughout October. Among them, we highlight the exhibitions of notable women artists, whose distinctive artistic visions and impactful practices deserve special attention.

| THEO: Yun Suknam Solo Exhibition “The Blue Chime of Paper Flowers”

At Gallery THEO in Samseong-dong, the solo exhibition “The Blue Chime of Paper Flowers” by Yun Suknam will be on display until November 8. Yun Suknam is a prominent feminist artist in South Korea, focusing her work on the lives of women who have traversed difficult paths in contemporary Korean history.

This exhibition highlights a transformative period in her artistic journey, where she transitioned from exploring her mother’s challenging life to focusing on autobiographical narratives, the experiences of contemporary women, and themes of care and ecology.

Visitors will encounter five sculptures that capture the rough knots and imperfections of wood, symbolizing the struggles and suffering of oppressed women. The Boat People series (2006) is among her most renowned works, with each piece priced at 15 million KRW.

In response to witnessing abandoned dogs during the IMF crisis, the artist created a series of 1,025 sculptures to soothe their spirits and document the societal conditions of that era. This collection gained significant attention during its exhibition at Arko Art Center, where the artist identified it as one of her most important works.

The current exhibition features 16 pieces from the series 〈1,025: With or Without Person〉(2008). Pricing varies by size: 4 pieces are priced at 5 million KRW, 3 pieces at 6 million KRW, and 9 pieces at 8 million KRW. Additionally, the 〈108〉 series, also focused on abandoned dogs and created between 2008 and 2009, consists of larger sculptures. Each of the four pieces in this series is available for 15 million KRW.

Since the early 1990s, the artist has been creating wooden sculptures depicting female figures. To address her artistic reflections and fulfill her desire to “draw,” she produced numerous drawings using colored pencils and graphite in the early 2000s. These drawings will be showcased alongside her sculptures in the current exhibition. The exhibition features a total of 15 drawings created in 2001, each measuring 45 × 30 cm and priced at 5 million KRW.

The artworks in this exhibition are presented at the artist's previously established prices without any changes. However, it is anticipated that prices will increase in alignment with her upcoming solo exhibition at a museum next year, as indicated by her affiliated gallery, Hakgojae. Thus, this exhibition represents an opportune time for collectors interested in Yun Suknam's work to make a purchase.

| Space Willing N Dealing: Kwon Soonyoung and Lee Mijung Duo Exhibition “Whispers of the Unsettling”

The duo exhibition “Whispers of the Unsettling” featuring Kwon Soonyoung and Lee Mijung will be held at Space Willing N Dealing until October 20. Kwon Soonyoung's works initially appear beautiful and joyful, yet a closer examination reveals symbolic elements that convey dark emotions from childhood alongside the harsh realities of the world. Lee Mijung, showcasing her cut-out paintings, visualizes the concept of “shadow labor” through black silhouettes she refers to as "homemakers," representing domestic labor.

The main piece by Kwon Soonyoung in this exhibition is 〈Deep sea2〉(2023), a colored and collaged work on hanji measuring 112 × 145.5 cm, priced at 15 million KRW. Other works range in price from 3 million to 4 million KRW. 〈Still Life 9〉(2024) and 〈Still Life 11〉(2024) are each priced between 4.2 million and 4.5 million KRW. Additionally, smaller works such as 〈Missing〉(2024), 〈Homecoming〉(2024), and 〈Resting 2〉(2024), featuring landscapes painted on hanji at approximately 27 × 37 cm, are priced at 3.8 million KRW, 4 million KRW, and 3.8 million KRW, respectively.

Kwon Soonyoung is an artist well-loved by collectors at art fairs, and her represented gallery has recently raised her prices. Given her strong demand among buyers, it is anticipated that her prices will continue to rise in the future. She is recognized as a competitive artist in the market, making her works a worthwhile investment.

The highest-priced piece featured by Lee Mijung in the exhibition is 〈Homemaker: Hanging Laundry〉(2024), composed of three sculptures measuring 91 × 138 cm, priced at 6.5 million KRW. Next is 〈Homemaker: Dusting〉(2024), which consists of four sculptures measuring 77 × 124 cm, priced at 5.5 million KRW. The 〈Moving Dishcloth〉 (2024) series, each approximately 30 × 30 cm, is priced at 800,000 KRW per piece. Additionally, the vase-shaped 〈Home with Flowers (Always)〉(2024) is priced at 1.2 million KRW, while the muffin-shaped 〈Muffin Friends for Birthday〉(2024) is priced at 500,000 KRW.

Lee Mijung is a young artist actively participating in residency programs. Currently without exclusive gallery representation, her market prices remain stable, and her artwork's value is expected to become clearer through her activities over the coming years.

| oaoa: Sujin Lee Solo Exhibition “Still, Life, Manual”

Sujin Lee's solo exhibition “Still, Life, Manual” is on view at oaoa until October 19. The artist has consistently explored the concept of “anxiety,” which is clearly present yet difficult to define, through her visual work. This exhibition invites visitors to experience her efforts to visualize these elusive sensations through universal themes and imagery, providing a multifaceted exploration of anxiety.

This exhibition features entirely new works, with the centerpiece being the 40F piece 〈Study for the Arrangement in Black and White〉(2024), priced at 5 million KRW. This work showcases plates arranged on a white tablecloth and is the most expensive piece in the show. Two notable works, 〈Still Life with Books (Green Apple)〉(2024) and 〈Still Life with Steam〉(2024), each measuring 6F, are available for 2.2 million KRW. As of now, several pieces have already been sold, including 〈Mishap〉(2024) for 4.5 million KRW, 〈Empty Glass〉(2024) for 1.4 million KRW, 〈Catnap〉(2024) for 2.8 million KRW, 〈The Fire I Need〉(2024) for 1.2 million KRW, and 〈Still Life with Books (Red Apple)〉(2024) for 3.5 million KRW.

Sujin Lee is an artist with significant popularity abroad, consistently selling the majority of her works during exhibitions. As a result, her prices tend to increase with each solo show.

Those considering an acquisition might find this to be the ideal moment to invest in her work.

References

• THEO(띠오), 윤석남
• 학고재 갤러리, 윤석남
  
• 퍼블릭아트, 윤석남
  
• 스페이스 윌링앤딜링, 권순영, 이미정
• 오에이오에이 갤러리, 이수진