A New Era of Corporate art Patronage

New York Art Week 2025 witnessed a significant surge in sponsorship from South Korean corporations, marking a pivotal moment in the intersection of art and global business. Giants like LG, Hyundai Motor, and Hyundai Card emerged as major benefactors, their logos prominently displayed across various exhibitions and events throughout the city. This extensive support underscores a growing trend of Korean companies investing heavily in the arts, both domestically and internationally.

Key Sponsorships and Partnerships

Korean firms have strategically aligned themselves with some of New York’s most prestigious cultural institutions. These partnerships include:

• The Whitney Art Museum
• the Metropolitan Museum of Art (sponsored by hyundai Motor)
• The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
• Guggenheim’s Young Curator Suspati and LG Guggenheim Awards (sponsored by LG)

These sponsorships not only provide financial support to the museums but also offer Korean companies a platform to enhance their brand image and connect with a global audience.

LG Electronics‘ Innovative Collaboration at Frieze New York

LG Electronics took it’s commitment to the arts a step further by serving as the title sponsor of the Blockbuster Art Fair Frieze New York. Building on its five-year association with Frieze, LG collaborated with Los Angeles-based pop artist Steven Harrington to create a unique exhibition. Harrington’s artwork was showcased on LG’s cutting-edge 97-inch transparent OLED TVs, creating a visually stunning display.

this collaboration marks a significant milestone for Harrington, who is also designing the Los Angeles (LA) Olympic logo in 2028. It represents his first foray into combining painting with digital art, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.

We are using the principle to collaborate with local artists by traveling to London, New York, Los Angeles, and Seoul.
Oh Hye-won,Brand Communications Managing Director,LG Electronics

LG’s commitment extends beyond Frieze,with collaborations including the New York flagship store of Italian high-end furniture brand Cartell. This multifaceted approach demonstrates LG’s dedication to integrating art into various aspects of its brand presence.

The Fusion of Art and Technology

Harrington’s iconic characters,’Lulu’ and ‘Melo,’ came to life on LG’s OLED TVs,offering visitors an immersive and engaging experience.The combination of vibrant visuals and cutting-edge technology exemplifies the growing trend of blending art with technological innovation. This fusion not only enhances the artistic experience but also provides new avenues for artists to explore and express their creativity.

The Broader Impact on the Art World

The increased involvement of Korean companies in the art world has far-reaching implications. It provides much-needed funding for artists and institutions, fosters cross-cultural exchange, and promotes innovation in the arts. As Korean corporations continue to expand their global footprint, their support for the arts is likely to play an increasingly vital role in shaping the future of the art world.

According to a recent report by the Korea Arts Management Service, corporate sponsorship of the arts in South Korea has increased by 15% in the past year, reflecting a growing recognition of the value of art as a means of enhancing brand image and fostering creativity.

A New Wave of Korean Art Ascends in New York

New York City is currently witnessing a significant surge in the recognition and appreciation of Korean art. Several key exhibitions and publications are highlighting the contributions of Korean artists to the global art scene, solidifying their place in art history. This increased visibility reflects a growing international interest in diverse artistic perspectives and the unique cultural heritage that Korean artists bring to their work.

Pioneering Artists Honored Through Retrospectives and publications

Leading figures who shaped Korean art history are being celebrated through meticulously curated exhibitions and insightful publications. The tina Kim Gallery, a New York-based institution, has launched an exhibition titled the birth of Korean Contemporary art. This exhibition is accompanied by a namesake book featuring archival materials,including letters from prominent artists such as Kim Chang-yeol,Kim Hwan-ki,Lee Woo-hwan,and park Seo-bo,spanning the period from 1961 to 1982. This complete approach provides valuable context for understanding the evolution of Korean contemporary art.

Furthermore, the Korean Cultural Center in New York is hosting Eternal Home, an exhibition dedicated to the work of Jang Uk-jin. This exhibition offers a deep dive into the artist’s unique vision and artistic contributions.Adding to this recognition, the limited Edition Club (LEC), a prestigious New York publisher founded in 1929, is re-releasing Jang Uk-jin’s Golden Ark (1992). This marks only the second time the LEC has honored an Asian artist in this way, the first being kawabata Yasunari’s Snow Country.

Korean Artists Shine at Frieze New York

Korean artists are also making a significant impact at art fairs like Frieze New York. Tina Kim Gallery is showcasing the textile arts of elder artists alongside the work of Kang Seo-kyung, highlighting the diversity and intergenerational dialog within Korean art. Gallery Hyundai is presenting a solo exhibition of moon Kyung-won,featuring the Soft Curtain series,known for its evocative depictions of snow-covered wooden landscapes. These presentations at prominent art fairs contribute to the broader visibility and market recognition of Korean artists.

The Growing Global Appeal of Korean Art

The increased presence of Korean art in New York reflects a broader trend of global interest in diverse artistic voices. According to a recent report by Arts Economics,sales of art from the Asia-Pacific region have increased by 15% in the last year,indicating a growing market for Asian art.This surge in interest is driven by a desire for new perspectives and a recognition of the rich cultural heritage embedded in Korean art. As Korean artists continue to push boundaries and explore new themes,their influence on the global art scene is only expected to grow.

Spotlight on Young Talent: Freeze New York’s Focus Section

Freeze New york 2025 placed a significant emphasis on nurturing emerging talent, particularly through its “Focus” section. This dedicated space provided a platform for young artists and galleries to showcase innovative and thought-provoking works. Among the standout presentations was Ji Gallery’s installation art by Song Ye-hwan, a 30-year-old artist whose unique vision captivated attendees.

TEFAF New York: A Strong Korean Presence

Alongside Freeze, TEFAF New York also highlighted the strength and diversity of Korean art. Two galleries, Ghana Art and The Page Gallery, presented compelling exhibitions that drew considerable attention from collectors and critics alike.

Ghana Art: A Dialogue Between Masters

Ghana Art’s presentation created a captivating dialogue between established and contemporary artists. The gallery featured works by Alexander Calder, a giant of 20th-century sculpture, alongside Jeon Kwang-young’s “Aggregations” series. specifically, Jeon’s 1985 piece, ‘Ont-021’, stood out, exemplifying his signature use of Styrofoam packaging to create textured and thought-provoking surfaces. This juxtaposition allowed viewers to appreciate the evolution of artistic expression and the enduring influence of pioneering figures.

The juxtaposition of Calder and Jeon Kwang-young offered a compelling narrative about artistic innovation and legacy.

The Page Gallery: Showcasing Korean Artistic Diversity

The Page Gallery opted for a broader approach, presenting the works of six Korean artists: Choi Myung-young, Park Seok-won, Lee Soo-kyung, Jung Gu-ho, Jeong-jin, and Na-jeom. This diverse selection showcased the breadth of artistic styles and perspectives within the Korean art scene, from minimalist paintings to intricate sculptures. This approach reflects a growing trend in the art world, where collectors are increasingly seeking diverse voices and perspectives.

The Growing Global Appeal of Korean Art

The strong presence of Korean artists and galleries at both Freeze and TEFAF New York underscores the increasing global recognition of Korean art. This trend is supported by recent data indicating a significant rise in international sales of Korean contemporary art. According to a recent report by the korea Arts Management Service, overseas sales of Korean art increased by 35% in the past year, demonstrating a growing appetite for Korean artistic expression on the world stage.

The increasing global recognition of Korean art is a testament to the artists’ talent and the unique cultural perspectives they bring to the international stage.