국립현대미술관에서 28일 막을 내리는 데이미언 허스트의 아시아 첫 개인전과 서울시립미술관에서 열리고 있는 유영국 회고전에 수십만명의 관람객이 몰리며 올해 상반기 미술계 흥행을 이끌었다.

하반기에도 국내외 유명 작가들의 굵직한 전시가 잇달아 열리는 데다 프리즈 서울과 키아프 서울, 광주비엔날레와 부산비엔날레 등 대형 미술 행사도 예정돼 있어 미술계 열기가 이어질 전망이다.

◇ 데이미언 허스트전 50만명·유영국전 10만명 넘어

상반기 미술계의 최고 인기 전시는 국립현대미술관 서울관에서 열린 영국 작가 데이미언 허스트의 개인전이었다.

길이 4ｍ에 이르는 거대한 상어를 포름알데히드 용액이 담긴 유리 수조에 박제한 '살아있는 자의 마음 속 죽음의 물리적 불가능성', 죽은 소의 머리와 파리 유충을 유리장에 함께 넣은 '천 년', 인간 두개골을 백금으로 주조하고 8천601개 다이아몬드로 장식한 '신의 사랑을 위하여' 등 대표작을 모두 선보인 이번 전시는 50만명이 넘는 관람객을 동원했다.

전시가 예고됐을 당시에는 공공의 이익을 추구하는 국립예술기관에서 나랏돈을 들여 상업적으로 성공한 해외 작가의 대규모 개인전을 열어야 하느냐는 지적도 있었다. 하지만 상대적으로 저렴한 입장료를 내고 세계적인 작가의 대표작을 직접 볼 수 있다는 점에서 많은 관람객의 발길이 이어졌다.

지난 5월 19일부터 서울시립미술관에서 시작된 한국 추상미술의 거장 유영국(1916∼2002)의 회고전 '유영국: 산은 내 안에 있다'는 지금까지 10만 명이 넘는 관람객이 찾았다.

미공개작 15점을 비롯해 유화 115점 등 총 170여 점의 작품이 전시된 이번 전시는 유영국 전시 중 역대 최대 규모다. 1930년대 도쿄 유학 시절의 실험적 작품부터 투병 중에도 붓을 놓지 않았던 말년의 작품까지 망라했다. 오는 10월 25일까지 이어질 예정이어서 관람객은 더 늘어날 전망이다.

이 밖에도 리움 미술관에서 열린 티노 세갈전과 호암 미술관의 김윤신전도 각각 9만여명, 7만여명이 찾았다.

◇ 구정아·서도호·바젤리츠 개인전

하반기에도 유명 작가들의 전시가 이어진다. 국립현대미술관 서울관에서는 오는 8월 서도호의 개인전이 개최된다. 대학원 졸업작품과 같은 초기작부터 '브릿지프로젝트' 등 주요 작품과 현재 진행 중인 미공개 작품까지 서도호의 예술세계를 총체적으로 아우르는 회고전 성격의 전시다. 드로잉 작품들도 국내 최초로 전시된다.

리움미술관은 오는 9월 구정아 개인전을 연다. 2024년에 열린 제60회 베네치아 비엔날레 한국관을 대표했던 구정아는 이번 전시에서 자신이 구축한 개념 세계 '우쓰'(OUSSS)를 펼쳐 보인다. 전시장 외에도 미술관 로비나 벽 뒤 등 곳곳에 작품을 배치해 관람객은 예기치 못한 장소에서 작품을 마주하게 된다.

해외 거장들의 전시도 예정돼 있다.

세화미술관에서는 지난 4월 세상을 떠난 독일 화가 게오르그 바젤리츠(1938∼2026) 개인전을 준비하고 있다. 작가의 대표작인 '거꾸로 뒤집힌 인물' 회화를 비롯해 드로잉, 부조 등 다양한 작업을 망라하는 대규모 회고전으로 꾸며진다.

아모레퍼시픽미술관은 오는 9월 개념미술의 선구자인 미국 작가 솔 르윗(1928∼2007)의 국내 첫 개인전을 연다. '월 드로잉'(Wall Drawing), 기하학적 입체 조각, 회화, 드로잉 등 다양한 작품을 선보인다.

서울시립사진미술관은 7월 16일부터 현대 다큐멘터리 사진계의 거장 마틴 파(1952∼2026)의 회고전을 연다. 일상과 소비문화, 관광, 계급 풍경 등을 특유의 유머와 색감으로 포착한 대표 연작 등 마틴 파의 작업 세계를 총망라한 아시아 첫 회고전으로 꾸며진다.

◇ 키아프·프리즈에 광주·부산 비엔날레

다양한 미술 행사들도 열린다.

가장 큰 미술 행사는 역시 9월 초 서울 코엑스에서 열리는 국제 아트페어(미술품 장터) 프리즈 서울과 키아프 서울이다.

올해 5회째인 프리즈에는 30개국에서 125개 갤러리가 참여해 미술품을 전시·판매한다. 에스더 쉬퍼, 글래드스톤, 리만 머핀, 타데우스 로팍, 화이트 큐브 등 세계적인 갤러리를 비롯해 국제갤러리, 갤러리현대 등 국내 대표 화랑이 총출동해 소속 작가들의 주요 작품을 선보인다.

한국화랑협회가 주최하는 국내 최대 규모 아트페어 키아프도 함께 열린다. 18개국에서 175개 갤러리가 참여해 다양한 장르의 작품을 선보인다.

광주에서는 9월 5일 '너는 네 삶을 바꿔야 한다'를 주제로 제16회 광주비엔날레가 개막한다.

호추니엔(Ho Tzu Nyen) 예술감독은 박가희·브라이언 쿠안 우드·최경화 큐레이터와 함께 22개국에서 43명(팀)의 작가를 초청했다. 다양한 세대와 지역을 아우르는 작가들이 개인과 공동체가 겪는 갈등과 어려움을 다양한 시각으로 탐구한다.

8월 29일에는 2026 부산비엔날레가 시작된다.

'불협하는 합창'을 주제로 합의와 조화보다는 차이와 긴장, 공명의 가능성에 주목하며 함께 존재하는 방식을 탐색한다. 23개국에서 47명(팀) 작가가 참여한다. 음악과 퍼포먼스 등 집합적 실천을 중심으로 활동하는 작가들의 참여 비중이 큰 것이 특징이다.

제주비엔날레는 8월 25일, 경기도자비엔날레는 9월 18일에 각각 개막한다.

laecorp@yna.co.kr

The solo exhibition of Damien Hirst, the first in Asia, which closed on the 28th at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, and the retrospective exhibition of Yoo Young-guk held at the Seoul Museum of Art have attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors, leading the art world boom in the first half of this year.

In the second half of the year, major exhibitions by renowned domestic and foreign artists will continue, and large-scale art events such as Frieze Seoul and Kiaf Seoul, Gwangju Biennale, and Busan Biennale are scheduled, so the art world heat is expected to continue.

◇ Damien Hirst exhibition exceeds 500,000 people·Yoo Young-guk exhibition exceeds 100,000 people

The most popular exhibition in the first half of the year was the solo exhibition of British artist Damien Hirst held at the Seoul branch of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.

The exhibition showcased representative works such as 'The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living,' a giant shark measuring 4 meters long preserved in formaldehyde solution, 'A Thousand Years,' which contains a dead cow's head and fly larvae in a glass case, and 'For the Love of God,' a human skull cast in platinum and adorned with 8,601 diamonds. The exhibition drew more than 500,000 visitors.

When the exhibition was announced, there were criticisms that it was inappropriate for a national art institution pursuing public interest to hold a large-scale solo exhibition of a commercially successful foreign artist. However, many visitors flocked to see the masterpieces of world-renowned artists at relatively affordable admission fees.

The retrospective exhibition 'Yoo Young-guk: Mountain is Within Me,' which started on May 19th at the Seoul Museum of Art, has attracted more than 100,000 visitors so far.

This exhibition showcased a total of over 170 works, including 15 unpublished works and 115 oil paintings, making it the largest retrospective exhibition of Yoo Young-guk's works. It covered everything from experimental works from his Tokyo study abroad days in the 1930s to works he continued to create even during his illness. The exhibition is scheduled to run until October 25th, so the number of visitors is expected to increase further.

In addition, the Tino Sehgal exhibition held at the Leeum Museum of Art and the Kim Yoon-shin exhibition held at the Hoam Museum attracted approximately 90,000 and 70,000 visitors respectively.

◇ Gu Jeong-a·Seo Do-ho·Baselitz solo exhibitions

Major artist exhibitions will continue in the second half of the year. The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul branch will hold Seo Do-ho's solo exhibition in August. This exhibition will showcase Seo Do-ho's artistic world comprehensively, from his graduate school graduation works to major works such as 'Bridge Project,' and unpublished works currently underway. Drawings by Seo Do-ho will also be exhibited for the first time in Korea.

Leeum Museum of Art will hold Gu Jeong-a's solo exhibition in September. Gu Jeong-a, who represented Korea at the 60th Venice Biennale in 2024, will unveil her conceptual world 'OUSSS' in this exhibition. Works will be placed not only in the exhibition hall but also in unexpected locations such as the museum lobby and behind walls, allowing visitors to encounter artworks in surprising places.

Exhibitions of renowned foreign artists are also scheduled.

Sehwa Museum is preparing for a solo exhibition of German painter Georg Baselitz (1938-2026), who passed away last April. The exhibition will be a large-scale retrospective showcasing his representative work 'Reversed Figure' painting, as well as drawings and sculptures.

Amorepacific Museum of Art will hold the first solo exhibition in Korea of American artist Sol LeWitt (1928-2007), a pioneer of conceptual art, in September. The exhibition will showcase a variety of works, including 'Wall Drawing,' geometric sculptures, paintings, and drawings.

Seoul Museum of Art Photography will hold a retrospective exhibition of Martin Parr (1952-2026), a master of contemporary documentary photography, from July 16th. The exhibition will showcase Parr's representative series, capturing everyday life, consumer culture, tourism, and class landscapes with his unique humor and color sense. This is the first retrospective exhibition of Martin Parr in Asia.

◇ Kiaf·Frieze, Gwangju·Busan Biennales

Various art events will also be held.

The biggest art event is the Frieze Seoul and Kiaf Seoul international art fairs, which will open at COEX in Seoul in early September.

This year marks the 5th anniversary of Frieze, with 125 galleries from 30 countries participating to exhibit and sell artworks. World-renowned galleries such as Esther Schipper, Gagosian, Lisson Gallery, Thaddeus Ropac, White Cube, and leading domestic galleries including Kukje Gallery and Gallery Hyundai will showcase major works by their artists.

Kiaf Seoul, the largest domestic art fair hosted by the Korea Gallery Association, will also be held concurrently. 175 galleries from 18 countries will participate, showcasing a variety of genres.

In Gwangju, the 16th Gwangju Biennale will open on September 5th under the theme 'You Must Change Your Life.'

Artistic director Ho Tzu Nyen and curators Park Gahee, Brian Kuan Woo, and Choi Kyunghwa have invited 43 artists (teams) from 22 countries. Artists from various generations and regions will explore the conflicts and difficulties faced by individuals and communities from diverse perspectives.

The 2026 Busan Biennale will begin on August 29th.

Under the theme 'Discordant Chorus,' it focuses on the possibilities of difference, tension, and resonance rather than consensus and harmony. It features a high proportion of artists who focus on collective practices such as music and performance.

The Jeju Biennale will open on August 25th, and the Gyeonggi Biennale will open on September 18th.

laecorp@yna.co.kr

Damien Hirst's first solo exhibition in Asia, which closes on the 28th at the National Museum of Modern Art, and the Yu Young-guk retrospective at the Seoul Museum of Art have attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors, leading the first half of the year's art world boom.

In the second half, major exhibitions by renowned domestic and international artists are scheduled to continue, and large-scale art events including Frieze Seoul and KIAF Seoul, as well as the Gwangju Biennale and Busan Biennale, are also planned, suggesting that the art world's momentum will continue.

◇ Damien Hirst exhibition exceeds 500,000 visitors, Yu Young-guk exhibition exceeds 100,000

The most popular exhibition in the first half of the art world was British artist Damien Hirst's solo exhibition at the Seoul Museum of the National Museum of Modern Art.

The exhibition, which showcased representative works including "The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living," which features a massive shark reaching 4 meters in length preserved in a glass tank filled with formaldehyde solution, "A Thousand Years," which features the head of a dead cow and fly larvae in a glass case, and "For the Love of God," in which a human skull is cast in platinum and decorated with 8,601 diamonds, attracted over 500,000 visitors.

When the exhibition was announced, there were comments questioning whether a national public art institution should use government funds to hold a large-scale solo exhibition by a commercially successful overseas artist. However, many visitors came because they could afford the relatively inexpensive admission fee and see the representative works of a world-renowned artist in person.

The retrospective "Yu Young-guk: The Mountain Exists Within Me" of Yu Young-guk (1916-2002), a master of Korean abstract art, which began at the Seoul Museum of Art on May 19th, has been visited by over 100,000 people to date.

This exhibition, which features a total of approximately 170 works including 15 unpublished works and 115 oil paintings, is the largest-scale Yu Young-guk exhibition to date. It encompasses experimental works from his studies in Tokyo in the 1930s to works from his final years when he continued to paint despite illness. The exhibition is scheduled to continue until October 25th, so the number of visitors is expected to increase further.

In addition, the Tino Sehgal exhibition at the Leeum Museum of Art and the Kim Yun-shin exhibition at the Ho-Am Museum were each visited by approximately 90,000 and 70,000 visitors, respectively.

◇ Solo exhibitions by Koo Jung-ah, Seo Do-ho, and Baselitz

The second half will continue to feature exhibitions by renowned artists. The National Museum of Modern Art's Seoul Museum will hold Seo Do-ho's solo exhibition in August. The exhibition is a retrospective in nature that comprehensively encompasses Seo Do-ho's artistic world, from early works such as his graduate thesis to major works including the "Bridge Project" and currently unpublished works in progress. Drawing works will be displayed for the first time in Korea.

The Leeum Museum of Art will hold Koo Jung-ah's solo exhibition in September. Koo Jung-ah, who represented Korea at the 60th Venice Biennale held in 2024, will present her constructed conceptual world "OUSSS" in this exhibition. With works placed throughout the museum lobby and behind walls, visitors will encounter artworks in unexpected locations.

Exhibitions by overseas masters are also planned.

The Sewha Museum of Art is preparing a solo exhibition of German painter Georg Baselitz (1938-2026), who passed away in April. The exhibition will be organized as a large-scale retrospective encompassing the artist's representative works, including inverted figure paintings, drawings, and reliefs.

The Amorepacific Museum of Art will hold Korea's first solo exhibition by American artist Sol LeWitt (1928-2007), a pioneer of conceptual art, in September. Various works will be on display, including "Wall Drawing," geometric three-dimensional sculptures, paintings, and drawings.

The Seoul Museum of Photography will hold a retrospective of Martin Parr (1952-2026), a master of contemporary documentary photography, starting July 16th. The exhibition is organized as Asia's first retrospective that comprehensively encompasses Parr's body of work, featuring his representative series that capture everyday life, consumer culture, tourism, and class landscapes with his distinctive humor and color sensibility.

◇ KIAF and Frieze and Gwangju and Busan Biennales

Various art events will also be held.

The largest art event is undoubtedly Frieze Seoul and KIAF Seoul, which will be held at Seoul COEX in early September.

Frieze, in its 5th edition this year, will feature 125 galleries from 30 countries displaying and selling artworks. World-renowned galleries including Esther Schipper, Gladstone, Lehmann Maupin, Thaddaeus Ropac, and White Cube, as well as major domestic galleries such as Kukje Gallery and Gallery Hyundai, will showcase major works by their represented artists.

South Korea's largest art fair, KIAF, hosted by the Korean Gallery Association, will also be held. 175 galleries from 18 countries will present works in various genres.

The 16th Gwangju Biennale will open in Gwangju on September 5th under the theme "You Must Change Your Life."

Artistic Director Ho Tzu Nyen, along with curators Park Ga-hee, Brian Kuan Wood, and Choi Kyung-hwa, has invited 43 artists (teams) from 22 countries. Artists spanning diverse generations and regions explore the conflicts and difficulties experienced by individuals and communities from various perspectives.

The 2026 Busan Biennale will begin on August 29th.

Under the theme "Dissonant Chorus," the biennale focuses on differences and tensions rather than consensus and harmony, exploring the possibility of resonance and ways of existing together. 47 artists (teams) from 23 countries will participate. It is notable that a significant proportion of participants are artists whose work centers on collective practices such as music and performance.

The Jeju Biennale will open on August 25th, and the Gyeonggi Ceramic Biennale will open on September 18th, respectively.

laecorp@yna.co.kr