Go See – Seoul: Pinault Collection at SongEun ArtSpace through November 19, 2011
November 8th, 2011
Jeff Koons and François Pinault with Bourgeois Bust: Jeff and Ilona (1991). Via Art Daily.
Agony and Ecstasy presents 22 selected works from the François Pinault Collection, in its debut Asian exhibition at the Korean SongEun ArtSpace through November 19th. The title of the exhibition refers to a showcased work of the same name by Damien Hirst, as well as the title of Irving Stone’s biography on Michelangelo. Curated by London-based jewelry and interiors designer Francesca Amfitheatrof, the exhibition additionally features Jeff Koons, Takashi Murakami and Cindy Sherman. Pinault attended the ongoing exhibition’s opening in Seoul, accompanied by Jeff Koons, among others.
More text and images after the jump…
Cindy Sherman, Untitled – Balenciaga Series (2007-2008). All following images courtesy of SongEun ArtSpace.
Amfitheatrof’s curation focuses on the theme of self-representation, using portraiture, mirrors, and busts to reflect. American artist Cindy Sherman heavily explores the concept of overt self-portraiture in her photography, recreating herself to best depict her representations of others. Her Hollywood Portraits and Balenciaga Series are currently on view.
Damien Hirst, Bad News (2009).
While the 22 works successfully address sense of self, Pinault’s extensive private collection includes more than 2,000 artworks, most of which are available to the public at his two Venetian museums, the Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana. The Palazzo Grassi first opened in April 2006, with the exhibition Where Are We Going? That same year, Art Review dubbed Pinault the most powerful figure in the art world. Other winners of the Art Review accolade include Larry Gagosian and this year’s Ai Weiwei. Born in 1936, Pinault began collecting in his thirties, shortly after developing an interest in art and museums. He is the current owner of Christie’s auction house.
Jeff Koons, Dutch Couple (2007).
The work on display in Seoul is indicative of the contemporary scene since the 1990s. Koons’ trademark kitsch, Sherman’s photo-portraits, Hirst’s medicine cabinets, and Murakami’s pop colors have all been among top contemporary lots at auction.
Cindy Sherman, Untitled – Hollywood Series (2000).
Pinault intends to expose the Korean art market to his interest in contemporary art, and is simultaneously developing his collection. He is currently collecting the work of friend and emerging Korean artist Lee U-fan.
-A. Bregman
Related Links:
Selected Works from the Francois Pinault Collection [Song Eun Art Space]
Selected Works from the Francois Pinault Collection [CNN]
Selected Works from the Francois Pinault Collection on View at SongEun ArtSpace [Art Daily]
Pinault Collection Shows in Seoul [SCENEASIA: WSJ]
Collecting Art is a way for entrepreneur to see future: Pinault [Korea Herald]
#34 Francois Pinault [Forbes]
Lee U-fan [Artist Site]
