K Auction will hold its "November Major Auction" on November 20 at its headquarters in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Featured in this auction are works by leading Korean abstract artists such as Kim Chang-Yeol, Lee Ufan, Kim Whanki, Yun Hyong-keun, Choi Myoung-Young, and Suh Seung-Won, alongside international names like Yoshitomo Nara and Ryuzaburo Umehara.

A total of 133 pieces will be offered, with a combined estimated value of approximately 9.4 billion KRW. The preview is open to the public from November 9 to 20 at the K-Auction exhibition hall, with free admission from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Visitors can also observe the auction in person on November 20.

Kim Chang-Yeol’s ‘Waterdrops’ Series

Kim Chang-Yeol’s ‘Waterdrops’ series captures human emotions and memories through his distinct transparent waterdrop motifs, evoking tranquility and introspection. His 1976 Waterdrops (size 200) has an estimate of 1 to 1.5 billion KRW (USD 730,000 ~ 1,100,000). Additional works, including Waterdrops SA88016 (1987, estimated 100 million to 250 million KRW) and Waterdrops ENS214 (1979, estimated 70 million to 220 million KRW), will also be on offer.

Lee Ufan’s ‘Dialogue’ and ‘Correspondence’ Series

Lee Ufan’s ‘Dialogue’ series explores the essence of relationships through abstract shapes, representing the artist’s perspective on nature and human interaction. Two Dialogue works (size 100) are listed with estimates of 1.2 to 1.4 billion KRW and 1.05 to 1.4 billion KRW. Additionally, Correspondence is estimated at 320 million to 550 million KRW, while From the Wind is expected to fetch 160 million to 300 million KRW.

Other Masters of Korean Abstract Art

The auction also includes pieces by Kim Whanki, Yun Hyong-keun, Suh Seung-Won, Choi Myoung-Young, and emerging market favorite Lee Bae.

Known for his signature blue pointillism and restrained compositions, Kim Whanki’s Untitled presents an abstracted landscape using mountains, the moon, and deer.

This piece is estimated at 35 million to 50 million KRW (USD 25,000 ~ 36,000).

Yun Hyong-keun’s work combines dark umber and blue tones, creating a balanced yet solemn atmosphere. His 2003 work Burnt Umber & Ultramarine is estimated at 40 million to 90 million KRW (USD 29,000 ~ 65,000).

A pioneer of Korean geometric abstraction, Choi Myoung-Young’s Conditions of Flatness 8815A exemplifies the artist’s use of minimalist forms and colors. This piece is estimated at 45 million to 75 million KRW (USD 33,000 ~ 55,000).

Lee Bae utilizes charcoal to explore themes of transformation and energy. His 2007 piece From Fire embodies the raw, dynamic quality of this medium and is estimated at 130 million to 230 million KRW (USD 94,000 ~ 170,000).

Collaborative Works with Luxury Brands

This auction also includes luxury items, such as jewelry from Bulgari, Chanel, and Cartier, as well as an Hermes Birkin bag and a Louis Vuitton trunk in collaboration with Yayoi Kusama. The Kusama trunk, featuring her signature polka dot design on both sides, is estimated at 12 million to 25 million KRW (USD 8,700 ~ 18,000), making it a unique collector’s piece.

References

• 케이옥션 (K Auction)