Sayart.net - Korean Gallery′s Plan to Showcase Avant-Garde Art at Frieze London Thwarted by Cultural Properties Protection Law

Hakgojae Gallery

Hakgojae Gallery's intention to feature a seminal work by Korean avant-garde artist Quac In-sik at Frieze London was disrupted due to South Korea's Cultural Properties Protection Law, which prohibits the export of historical artworks for sale.

The law stipulates that any artifact older than 50 years must undergo an appraisal to determine whether it can be taken out of the country. While exceptions are made for international exhibitions, the Cultural Heritage Administration is responsible for authorizing such cases, according to the agency.

Quac In-sik's "62-602," created in 1962, is an early and defining piece by the artist. It was showcased at a special exhibition commemorating the 100th anniversary of the artist's birth at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea, in 2019.

Born in 1919, Quac In-sik is a pioneering figure in Korea's experimental art scene, playing a prominent role in the country's avant-garde movement during the 1960s and 1970s. His glasswork, "62-602," owned by Hakgojae Gallery, is considered a leading work in the realm of Asian avant-garde art. 

▲ "62-602" by Quac In-sik (Hakgojae Gallery)

Hakgojae Gallery, one of South Korea's oldest and most prominent galleries, participated in Frieze London in October, presenting works in the Masters section, which featured esteemed galleries showcasing masterpieces from the 20th century and other notable antiquities.

Quac's artwork was halted from being exported prior to shipping, according to a source familiar with the situation.

The ban on exporting historical artworks older than 50 years that are deemed "of historic value" has been a persistent concern for gallerists and curators who aim to showcase such works abroad. The issue came into the spotlight following a recent report on Hakgojae's case.

Hwang Dal-sung, president of the Galleries Association of Korea, expressed the challenges of adhering to the law, especially in the case of antiquities. He mentioned that even a single antique object may need to undergo screening to ascertain its eligibility for export, which can lead some individuals to circumvent the process due to its complexities.

The law's origins can be traced back to South Korea's efforts to safeguard its cultural artifacts, many of which were taken to Japan during the colonial era from 1910 to 1945. Calls for revising the law have been made in the past, with proponents emphasizing the need to adapt it to the evolving international recognition of the Korean cultural scene.

Responding to recent reports on Hakgojae's situation, the Cultural Heritage Administration declared its intention to work on easing the regulatory burden.

Sayart.net 

Joy, nunimbos@gmail.com