10th edition of Busan Annual Market of Art to open Friday

With the Korean art market apparently entering a growth period, the 10th edition of the Busan Annual Market of Art (BAMA), which starts on Friday, is attracting attention. The art fair, organized by the Galleries Association of Busan..

Artwork by Lee Jun-young, a member of K-pop boy band U-Kiss. The 2021 Busan Annual Market of Art, which starts Friday, will have a special section featuring entertainers-turned-artists including Lee. [BAMA]

With the Korean art market apparently entering a growth period, the 10th edition of the Busan Annual Market of Art (BAMA), which starts on Friday, is attracting attention.

The art fair, organized by the Galleries Association of Busan, is scheduled to run through Sunday at Bexco, or the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center, in the southern port city.

"Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, 174 galleries will join the art fair, marking the largest-ever number of participants,” BAMA said in a statement. “About 4,000 artworks will be presented including those which have been reasonably priced to attract beginner collectors.”

The 174 galleries include some famous Seoul-based galleries such as Kukje and Hakgojae, as well as major Busan-based galleries such as Johyun Gallery. Among the participants are 14 foreign galleries such as Paris-based Galerie Brugier-Rigail. There will also be the BAMA Masters section, which features old paintings and antiques from the Joseon (1392-1910) or earlier periods. BAMA introduced the section in 2019, a first among local art fairs.

BAMA said it will also provide several special exhibitions including a show based on entertainers-turned-artists such as Lee Jun-young, a member of the K-pop boy band U-Kiss.

Admission is 10,000 won ($8.95) for adults. For details, visit www.bsgalleries.or.kr.

BY MOON SO-YOUNG [symoon@joongang.co.kr]