Author: The Auction Collective
Published: 21 May 2024
Top 5 Artists | Kyungha Song and Julie Hongji Seok
A spotlight on the top 5 next gen artists from those that know. This week's Top 5 comes from Seoul-based couple and collectors, Kyungha Song and Julie Hongji Seok.
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We‘ve indulged in art trips for the last 20 years, spanning over 70 countries. Our project, Kontemporary Artist Residency, is one of the most promising bridges between western and eastern territories, guided by our global experiences and connections.
THE CASCADE OF ART TODAY
Now we have a private collection based in Seoul. In recent years, we’ve visited more than 50 art fairs around the world, spending around 180 days a year understanding the art world in a parallel context which is not just focused on regional backgrounds. Every art trip includes Biennales, museums, galleries and especially artists’ studios. As very few collectors are engaged in the whole process of the art industry, we’ve developed a way to share the core experiences to collectors. Alongside our collection history, we’ve been invited to various projects as connectors and organizers, due to our research and comprehensive understanding of the art world.
INVISIBLE GAP BETWEEN EAST AND WEST
Today, the art world is not only widened through online and international art fairs but is also getting more transparent. Nevertheless, the gap between the East and West still needs to be addressed, particularly between major leading art scenes such as New York, London and others. It is with this in mind that we launched our residency program based in Seoul to bridge the distance between continents. Our own travels and experiences in the art scene have shown us that one of the quickest and most valuable ways to do this is to invite artists to experience and be connected to opposite parts of the globe.
THE STANDARDS TO UNDERSTAND ARTWORKS
When creating our list of five emerging artists, we looked at the following criteria, developed over the last 12 years of art collecting.
- By the ‘10 Criteria of Kontemporary’ to understand each artist
- Under 5 years in the art industry
- Reasonable primary price
Image Credit: Courtesy of Kyungha Song and Julie Hongji Seok
Header Image: Artworks by Choon Mi Kim
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Devon DeJardin (1993-, American)
Image Credits: Courtesy of Artist (Pictured left) & Albertz Benda
"Devon DeJardin is an LA-based artist communicating deeply with his inner world, his paintings addressing more than just a figure. His background as a Theology major has informed his current series ‘Guardians’; the artworks are inspired by the guardians within the Bible, as well as art history.
His exploration of sculpture, working with brass and bronze, brings his ‘Guardian’ figures into the physical world. DeJardin is always in the middle of influential circles, positioning himself as a navigator of the art scene. It reminds me of Andy Warhol's social skills and backgrounds.”
Devon DeJardin is a self-taught, multimedia artist from Portland, Oregon currently working out of Los Angeles, Ca.
https://www.devondejardin.com/
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Trey Abdella (1994-, American)
Image Credits: Courtesy of Artist (Pictured Left) and David Lewis, Koenig
"Though Trey Abdella is already a well-known young artist around the world, he continues to bring innovation into every step in his career. His artworks explore art history through ordinary moments in life, reminding us of the artistic journey of Dana Schutz. His subjects are explored with originality and skill, particularly in the incredible finishing details."
Trey Abdella received his BFA from the School of Visual Arts and his MFA at the New York Academy of Art. Abdella lives and works in Brooklyn, NY.
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Taína Cruz (1998-, American)
Image Credits: Courtesy of Artist (Pictured Left) and Kraupa-Tuscany Zeidler
"Taína Cruz is an artist based in the United States, with a strong Puerto Rican family history.With her background straddling both countries, she explores multi-cultural identities and tries to capture her specific emotions through art. Alongside her artwork, she engages in research of West-African and Caribbean culture, which allows her to find a deeper understanding of everyday life.
Her latest works showcase her beautiful art-making process, as well as her inspirations from contemporary art of the last few decades. As collectors we are particularly intrigued by her work, which seems to suggest a feeling of continual exploration, beyond limits. She is currently working towards her MFA at Yale."
Taína Cruz is an artist, archivist, and researcher, whose work explores themes related to world building and folklore, visual and cultural history as well as identity.
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Choon Mi Kim (Korean)
Image Credits: Courtesy of Artist and Ginny on Frederick
“Choon Mi Kim is a London-based abstract painter and recent graduate of Goldsmiths. Her debut solo show with Ginny on Frederik made a mark on the art scene with its considerable success. The artist plays with her background within her art, incorporating her memories of calligraphy. The strokes, transparency, emptiness and rhythm, all fundamental to the history of oriental paper, emerge on the canvas through crisply-textured oil painting. Her current work explores her roots as an Asian female artist through abstraction."
Choon Mi Kim lives and works in London and Seoul.
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Liu Yin (1984-, Chinese)
Image Credits: Courtesy of Artist and Kiang Malingue
“Liu Yin is one of the most eye-catching artists from our latest trip to Hong Kong. Born in China and currently living in Hong Kong, her artwork explores her interests in classic manga faces, which were rejected during her academic art training. Exaggerated, shiny eyes derived from manga are rooted in her childhood emotions, showcasing a desire to explore this world. Her intuitive gestures and brushstrokes remind us of the importance of artistic motivation."
Liu Yin lives and works in Hong Kong.
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