Kyung Lee

Kukje Gallery

Since Kukje Gallery opened at the center of Seoul in 1982, it has been committed to presenting the work of the most current and significant Korean and international contemporary artists. The Gallery has established itself as a leading venue for showing works by major international artists such as Damien Hirst, Eva Hesse, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Joan Mitchell, Cy Twombly, Ed Ruscha, Joseph Beuys, Anselm Kiefer, Louise Bourgeois, Jenny Holzer, Candida Hofer, Bill Viola, Anish Kapoor, etc. The exhibitions provided the foremost rare opportunity for the Korean art audiences to encounter the works of world-renowned contemporary artists without going abroad. Recognizing the importance of promoting Korean artists abroad, Kukje Gallery participates annually in major art fairs such as Art Basel, Art Basel Miami Beach and The Armory Show. The Gallery first presented the most significant artworks by Korean artists alongside more recognizable works of high caliber by international artists. Consequently, the Korean artists as well as the Gallery have been successfully gaining wide exposure and receiving much attention from the non-Korean collectors. The Gallery has also been promoting Korean artists to non-commercial venues, using its solid network of museum curators and critics worldwide. Many of Korean artists who have been presented by Kukje Gallery have gone on to participate in international biennials and major art museum exhibitions. Kukje Gallery has an unmatched reputation in Korea for having introduced many of the most critically acclaimed international artists, and for supporting the most promising Korean artists. The Gallery continues to play a key role in developing the domestic art market and promoting Korean artists; as well as drawing the national audience's attention to the currently international art world.