JaeMyung Noh. Courtesy of JaeMyung Noh.
South Korean collector JaeMyung Noh, who is 33-year-old and known for his focus on emerging artists, is gearing up to debut his own art fair, ART OnO, scheduled to take place in Seoul from April 18 to 21, 2024, at the SETEC exhibition in Gangnam.
The fair, which stands for “One and Only,” sets itself apart by prioritizing quality over brand names and is poised to showcase approximately 60 galleries, with 40 hailing from outside South Korea. Participating in the new fair are galleries such as Peres Projects (with locations in Berlin, Seoul, and Milan), Portuguese dealer Duarte Sequeira, Nicholas Krupp (based in Basel), and the Seoul-based This Weekend Room and Hakgojae.
Having attended numerous art fairs worldwide, Noh noted the scarcity of fresh artworks and wants to create a platform where galleries can bring something new. Despite a crowded art fair calendar in South Korea, Noh aims to foster a diverse art scene, keeping booth fees low for smaller galleries to encourage their participation.
JaeMyung Noh and his wife, SoHyun Park, maintain a collection of over 200 artworks, primarily concentrating on emerging artists and showing keen interest in the artists’ creative processes and intentions. Noh asserts that comprehending the artist’s perspective and environment enriches the collector’s connection with the art. Key works in their collection include those by David Altmejd and Rebecca Ackroyd, chosen for their ability to evoke a sense of discomfort, reflecting the couple’s appreciation for the artistic journey.
Even as he launches his art fair to contribute to Seoul’s vibrant art scene, Noh remains committed to supporting emerging artists, fostering their development, and witnessing their growth.
