Event highlights transformation, renewal in work by Andrea Francolino and Yeesookyung
Italian and Korean contemporary art converged in Seoul on Tuesday as the Italian Embassy hosted “Italy at Frieze,” an event alongside Frieze Seoul.
Organized with the Italian Cultural Institute in Seoul, the event was held at the Italian ambassador’s residence in Hannam-dong.
At the event, Italian Ambassador to Korea Emilia Gatto highlighted contemporary art as a means of strengthening cultural dialogue between Italy and Korea.
“Italy’s strength lies not only in its extraordinary historical heritage, but also in its ability to innovate and experiment,” Gatto said.
The event centered on “The Golden Trace,” which pairs Italian artist Andrea Francolino with Korean artist Yeesookyung.
Curated by Italian-French curator Valentina Buzzi and organized in collaboration with galleries Mazzoleni and Massimodecarlo, the work explores cracks, fragments and gold as symbols of transformation, reconstruction and renewal.
Francolino, an interdisciplinary artist based in Milan, uses fractured materials to explore destruction and regeneration.
Seoul-born Yeesookyung is known for her “Translated Vase” series, in which discarded fragments of traditional Korean ceramics are reassembled into sculptural forms joined with 24K gold leaf.
During the event, Gatto presented Bvlgari Korea Country Managing Director Shawn Lee with the rank of Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy, recognizing his contribution to cultural and economic ties between Italy and Korea and the promotion of Italian culture in the country.
sanjaykumar@heraldcorp.com
