Seoul Auction will hold its "November Contemporary Art Auction" on November 19 at its Gangnam Center in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. This auction brings together works by leading Korean artists such as Kim Whanki, Kim Chang-Yeol, Park Seo-Bo, and Ha Chong-Hyun, alongside internationally acclaimed figures including Yoshitomo Nara and Ryuzaburo Umehara. The combined low estimate for all items is around 8.3 billion KRW. Artwork viewing is available free of charge at Seoul Auction’s Gangnam Center until November 19.

Kim Whanki's 1972 Work '18-Ⅱ-72 #221'

Kim Whanki’s 1972 piece, 18-Ⅱ-72 #221, is a standout in his iconic pointillist series, featuring teal-based fan shapes arranged across a long, tranquil canvas. Approximately three times wider than it is tall, this composition creates a serene and expansive spatial effect. With an estimated price of 2.4 billion to 4 billion KRW (USD 1,767,000 to 2,945,000), this piece is joined by three other works from Kim Whanki in the auction.

A pioneering figure in Korean abstract art, Kim expressed the interplay between nature and the human spirit through symbolic colors and rhythmic dot arrangements, creating a uniquely Korean abstraction.

Kim Chang-Yeol’s 1979 Work 'Waterdrops'

Another auction highlight is Kim Chang-Yeol’s 1979 work Waterdrops, which exemplifies his ability to capture memory and emotion in transparent, reflective waterdrop motifs. This piece is estimated between 300 million and 500 million KRW (USD 221,000 to 368,000). Through his ‘Waterdrops’ series, Kim evokes contemplation and tranquility, symbolizing the delicate yet enduring nature of human experiences.

Yoshitomo Nara’s 'Duckling, the Tannenbaum Ambassador' (1996)

Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara’s Duckling, the Tannenbaum Ambassador, painted in 1996 while he was living in Germany, whimsically depicts a duck carrying a fir tree—a nod to Christmas traditions. Known for his introspective, childlike characters, Nara’s works explore themes of innocence and emotional vulnerability. This piece is estimated between 800 million and 1.5 billion KRW (USD 589,000 to 1,104,000).

Ryuzaburo Umehara’s 'Dancing Choi Seunghee' (1941)

Ryuzaburo Umehara’s 1941 work Dancing Choi Seunghee portrays Korea’s pioneering female dancer, Choi Seunghee, in a dynamic, expressive pose. The piece reflects Umehara’s distinctive style, combining traditional Japanese techniques with Western influences, and symbolizes the cultural exchanges between Korea and Japan.

Alongside these significant works, the auction also features pieces by renowned monochrome artists Ha Chong-Hyun and Seo Seung-Won, as well as works by contemporary artists like Jeon Gwang-Young, Lee Bae, Moon Hyung-Tae, and Kim Sun-Woo. Luxury items, including Cartier watches, further diversify this major auction event.

References

• 서울옥션 (Seoul Auction)