이태리 앳 프리즈 서울
Italy at Frieze
[아츠앤컬쳐] 주한 이탈리아 대사관과 주한 이탈리아 문화원이 기획한 ‘이태리 앳 프리즈’는 “제 3회 프리즈 서울”을 맞이하여 근현대 이탈리아 여성 예술가들을 조명하는 행사로 9월 3일 한남동 이탈리아 대사관저에서 진행될 예정이다.
카르디 갤러리, 갈레리아 콘티누아, 마시모데카를로, 마졸레니 아트, 보빌란트+보에나와 등의 이탈리아 주요 갤러리들과의 협업으로 이루어진 이번 행사는 에밀리아 가토 주한 이탈리아 대사의 축사와 큐레이터 발렌티나 부찌의 큐레이션으로 구성된다. 이 전시는 1867년부터 2022년까지의 작품으로 여성 아티스트들의 역사와 공헌 여정을 제공하 이탈리아 큐레이터 Valentina Buzzi가 큐레이팅한다.
The Embassy of Italy and the Italian Cultural Institute in Seoul are pleased to announce the second edition of Italy at Frieze Seoul, a collaborative exhibition with the Italian galleries participating in the Frieze Seoul art fair.
As part of the official programme on the occasion of the 140th Anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Italy and Korea and the Year of Cultural Exchange between the two countries, this year’s exhibition will be hosted for the first time at the prestigious Residence of the Italian Ambassador, HE Emilia Gatto.
Curated by Seoul-based Italian curator Valentina Buzzi, the exhibition offers a compelling journey through the history and practice of women artists, with works spanning from 1867 to 2022, thanks to the collaboration and support by Cardi Gallery, GALLERIA CONTINUA, MASSIMODECARLO, Mazzoleni, London-Torino, and Robilant + Voena.
Italian female artists have played an essential role in shaping the evolution of modern and contemporary art. Often working in an environment where most artists were male, these women have introduced innovative approaches, challenged artistic conventions, and expanded the boundaries of artistic expression. Their contributions have not only enriched Italian art but have also left a lasting impact on the global art narrative.
“Our exhibition will help to shed light on the unique and long lasting contribution of Italian women in the arts, from the 19th century to nowadays. I am pleased to host this event on women artists at the Residence of Italy as we celebrate the 140th anniversary of the relations between Italy and Korea and the Year of Cultural Exchange” said Ambassador Gatto. “Thanks to the participation of the main Italian art galleries, we aim to strengthen our network with leading Korean artists and actors in the art field and its market”.
The exhibition unfolds in the main hall of the Residence, offering an in-depth look at the universe, story, and practice of pivotal figures in postwar Italian art, such as Carla Accardi and Dadamaino, as well as contemporary leading artists like Marinella Senatore and emerging talents such as Rebecca Moccia and Sabrina Mezzaqui. Additionally, the exhibition shines a light on the work of 19th-century artist Erminia De Sanctis, bringing visibility to female artists from periods when their practices were less accessible.
While avoiding gender stereotypes, it is important to highlight that the presence of Italian women artists in Korea has been underrepresented. This exhibition seeks to address this gap, offering a platform for research and discovery for both the Korean and international audiences attending Seoul's art week.
As visitors step into the exhibition space, they are immediately greeted by the works of Carla Accardi and Dadamaino. Accardi's "Arancio su Grigio" (2005) is thoughtfully paired with Dadamaino’s early monochromatic piece "Volume" (1960). Both artists were pioneers in their own right, deeply exploring and expanding the relationship with the canvas. Accardi, a leading figure in the Italian abstract movement, and co-founder of the “Forma 1” group, was known for her dynamic use of color and form, which challenged traditional painting techniques. Dadamaino, on the other hand, is celebrated for her exploration of space and form, often through radical interventions such as cuts and perforations in the canvas. Their works not only reflect their unique artistic visions but also serve as critical milestones in the evolution of global art history, highlighting the role of women in redefining the boundaries of modern art.
Continuing through the exhibition, visitors encounter Sabrina Mezzaqui's glass installation "Niente si perde, tutto affiora" (Nothing gets lost, everything blooms) from 2022. This delicate composition, featuring seven elements made of paper scraps and fabric within glass-brass frames, reflects the artist’s exploration of reflection, intimacy, and temporal suspension. The poetic nature of the work resonates deeply with Korean culture through the presence of cherry blossoms, which bloom within the canvas, occasionally breaching its borders—a metaphor for the journey of life.
Walking further, the works of Erminia De Sanctis and Rebecca Moccia engage in a silent conversation. De Sanctis’ 1867 gouache on paper presents a portrait of soprano opera singer Carolina Rapazzini, offering a rare glimpse into a female subject rendered through a female gaze—a portrayal of strength, youth, and melancholy. Rapazzini holds a carnation in her right hand, symbolizing a promise of love. Hands are also a protagonist of Rebecca Moccia's "Cold as you are (Portrait of Professional Cuddler)" (2022), a thermal image, continues her exploration of loneliness and its socio-structural roots. The warmth radiating from the cuddler's body serves as a poignant reminder of the human need for connection in our complex, fast-paced modern world.
The exhibition culminates with Marinella Senatore’s "The Word Community Feels Good" (2022). Known for her multidisciplinary practice and her focus on individual empowerment within the collective sphere, Senatore invites viewers to engage with her work in a participatory manner. This light sculpture a neon-light piece inspired by the aesthetics of southern Italian heritage, emphasizes the significance of "community"—the sense of belonging to a group where one feels safe and valued.
Overall, the exhibition presented in Italy at Frieze gently challenges current perceptions of Italian art in Korea, encouraging visitors to explore new ideas, perspectives, and interpretations. This event continues the Embassy of Italy and the Italian Cultural Institute’s ongoing commitment to promoting modern and contemporary art in Korea, following other significant initiatives such as the Italian Pavilion at the Gwangju Biennale (2023, curated by Valentina Buzzi; 2024, curated by Soik Jung) and the Collezione Farnesina, the Italian contemporary art collection of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, presented in 2023 at Art Sonje Center.
Note to the Editors
About the Embassy of Italy in Seoul
The Embassy of Italy in Seoul represents the Italian Republic in Korea. The Embassy promotes the development of the bilateral relations between Rome and Seoul in every field, from the economy to innovation, high-tech, people-to-people exchanges, culture and political dialogue. In 2024, in the framework of the 140th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Italy and Korea, the Embassy has organised targeted events and exhibitions to commemorate the anniversary and celebrate the “Year of Cultural Exchange”, launched during the State Visit by President Sergio Mattarella in Korea in November 2023.
https://ambseoul.esteri.it/
About the Italian Cultural Institute in Seoul
The Italian Cultural Institute in Seoul, part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, promotes the Italian language and culture in South Korea. The Institute collaborates with Korean partners to organize diverse cultural events throughout Korea, covering performing arts—especially theater and dance—visual arts, music, cinema, literature, fashion, cuisine, craftsmanship, design, and architecture, showcasing the excellence of Made in Italy in dialogue with Korean culture. In addition to preserving heritage, it supports contemporary art, playing a crucial role in identifying and promoting contemporary and emerging Italian artists increasingly sought after on the international scene. Through partnerships with Korean museums, the Institute hosts exhibitions in prestigious venues like the Art Sonje Center and the National Museum of Contemporary History. The recent collaboration with the Gwangju Biennale and the Bomun Welfare Foundation highlights its commitment to strengthening and promoting intercultural dialogue with South Korea.
https://iicseoul.esteri.it/it/
About Curator Valentina Buzzi
Valentina Buzzi (b.1995) is an italian curator, writer, academic, and advisor in contemporary art, living and working between South Korea and Italy. As a curator, Valentina has curated various exhibitions globally, including in Venice, Paris, Seoul, Gwangju, Tokyo, among others. She often curates exhibitions that foster cultural dialogue between Italy and Korea, collaborating with Embassies and Cultural Institutes. Recent notable exhibitions include Lee Bae – La Maison de La Lune Brulee (2024), collateral event of the 60th Venice Biennale, and the Italian Pavilion at the Gwangju Biennale (2023 - 2024). Valentina has written essays and catalogs for institutions, art galleries, art fairs, and biennales. She regularly writes for Plus Magazine, Art Asia Pacific, Eazel Art, among others. She is also a Ph.D. researcher in cultural studies at HUFS Seoul, and part of a research team on museum studies funded by the Korean National Research Foundation. Valentina is a member of the International Council of Museums (ICOM).