Italy at Frieze: A Celebration of Art and Cultural Dialogue
On Tuesday, the Italian Embassy in Seoul hosted “Italy at Frieze,” a captivating event that showcased the convergence of Italian and Korean contemporary art amidst the backdrop of Frieze Seoul. The gathering, organized in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute, took place at the elegant residence of the Italian ambassador in Hannam-dong.
Highlights from the Event
Italian Ambassador to Korea, Emilia Gatto, emphasized the significance of contemporary art in fostering cultural dialogue between Italy and Korea. She remarked, “Italy’s strength lies not only in its extraordinary historical heritage, but also in its ability to innovate and experiment.”
The focal point of the evening was “The Golden Trace,” a collaborative work featuring Italian artist Andrea Francolino alongside Korean artist Yeesookyung. Curated by Valentina Buzzi, the piece explores themes of transformation and renewal through the use of fractured materials and golden accents.
Andrea Francolino, known for his interdisciplinary work out of Milan, uses broken materials to delve into the concepts of destruction and regeneration. Conversely, Yeesookyung, celebrated for her “Translated Vase” series, reimagines discarded fragments of traditional Korean ceramics, uniting them with 24K gold leaf to create stunning sculptures.
Recognition of Contributions
During the event, Ambassador Gatto honored Shawn Lee, Country Managing Director of Bvlgari Korea, by bestowing upon him the rank of Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy. This recognition acknowledges his pivotal role in enhancing cultural and economic ties between Italy and Korea, as well as his contributions to promoting Italian culture within the country.
This event not only celebrated artistic collaboration but also reinforced the shared cultural values and innovative spirit that connect Italy and Korea.
