Global Art Fair in Shanghai Expands Opportunities for Korean Artists

Kim Mi-kyung, winner of the Rising Artist Award, expressed her desire to convey hope through her work.

The "2026 Global Art Fair Shanghai Exhibition" opened with a successful ceremony on July 3 in Shanghai, China.

This exhibition featured a special overseas showcase of selected award-winning artists who were able to participate due to scheduling. It served as a significant opportunity to introduce the works of Korean artists to local audiences and the Korean community in China.

The Shanghai special exhibition included works from artists such as Bang Seon-mi, Wi Chan, Park Mi-jin, Kim Hyun-seo, Shin Ye-seul, Kim Hee-mang, and Kim Mi-kyung, along with Kim Min-chae, Choi Seo-chan, Choi Yeon-gyeong, Kang Mi-seon, Choi Ji-a, Kim Hye-ri, Lee Hee-kyung, Kang Seung-hyun, Park Cheol-wan, Kim Da-rim, Yang Seung-cheol, Park Eun-mi, Hwang Mi-seon, Lee Myung-sin, Kim Ji-young, Song Ji-young, Ko Ji-eun, Kim Jeong-hee, Choi Hyun-seung, Jo Seong-ok, Noh Yu-jin, Reina Lee, and the artist group Drawing Butterfly (Park Jong-min), showcasing a diverse range of artistic expressions.

Kim Hee-mang, winner of the Rising Artist Award, hopes her work brings happiness and hope to many people.

The Shanghai exhibition was made possible through the active cooperation and support of the Korean Association in Shanghai. The exhibition space, event management, and local network support provided a stable foundation for showcasing Korean artists' works in Shanghai.

Tak Jong-han, president of the Korean Association in Shanghai, expressed his happiness in being part of this meaningful event, stating, "I am glad to be here to introduce the works of Korean artists in Shanghai. We will continue to support communication between the Korean and Chinese communities through culture and art."

Reina Lee, chair of the Global Art Fair, noted the significance of this exhibition as it marked the first experience for award-winning artists to meet audiences on an international stage. She emphasized, "We will strive to make the Global Art Fair a platform that expands artists' possibilities worldwide."

Bang Seon-mi, winner of the Global Grand Prix, is flanked by Reina Lee (left) and Tak Jong-han, president of the Korean Association in Shanghai.

The participating artists shared their heartfelt reflections. Bang Seon-mi, who received the Global Grand Prix, stated, "I see this award as encouragement to create better works, and I will continue to strive to resonate with many people through heartfelt creations."

Wi Chan expressed his honor in participating in an international exhibition, hoping it would serve as a catalyst for the advancement of Korean art and culture. Park Mi-jin, who has developed her artistic style through self-study, shared, "I enjoy expressing myself through painting, and this exhibition has broadened my perspective and provided me with a great experience."

Kim Mi-kyung remarked, "I find joy and fun in painting, and I aspire to be an artist who conveys hope through my work," while Kim Hee-mang added, "I hope many people find happiness and hope through my art."

An event official stated, "This Shanghai special exhibition is not just a simple overseas showcase but a cultural exchange where Korean artists meet local audiences directly. We aim to broaden the scope of exchanges so that more artists can grow on the international stage through the Global Art Fair in the future."

* This article has been translated by AI.

CHOI KO BONG kbchoi@ajunews.com