Germany’s renowned gallery, Esther Schipper, is beginning a new chapter in Seoul. Having opened its first space in Gyeongridan-gil in 2022, the gallery is now relocating to a larger space in Hannam-dong after three years, allowing it to engage with a broader audience. But why did it choose Seoul despite the current turbulence in the global art market?

Esther Schipper’s Decision to Choose Seoul

Founded in Cologne, Germany, in 1989, Esther Schipper Gallery currently operates exhibition spaces in Berlin, Paris, and Seoul. Known for working with globally acclaimed artists such as Philippe Parreno, Pierre Huyghe, and Ugo Rondinone, the gallery chose Seoul over Hong Kong as its Asian hub.

Schipper explains, “As the Asian art market became more active from the 2000s, I started visiting Korea and naturally established connections with Korean collectors. As a businessperson, it makes sense to go where the clients are. In hindsight, choosing Seoul over Hong Kong was an excellent decision.”
 


Expansion and New Opportunities

From the outset, Esther Schipper Seoul was conceived as an experimental and innovative space. What started as a small-scale project space in Gyeongridan-gil has now transformed into a four-story (total floor area of 175㎡) gallery in Hannam-dong. Designed by New York-based architecture firm StudioMDA, the new space deviates from the traditional white cube concept, offering a distinctive structure that fosters new exhibition experiences. The gallery’s layout features a spiral staircase connecting all floors, from the ground-level window gallery to the private showroom on the fourth floor.
 
“This is not just an expansion; it is a natural next step,” says Schipper, emphasizing that this move is a strategic development rather than a reckless leap.


 
Collaboration with Korean Artists and Future Prospects

In 2023, Esther Schipper Gallery officially began its partnership with the Korean art scene by signing Jeon Hyun-sun as its first Korean artist. Jeon held a solo exhibition at Esther Schipper Berlin last year and is scheduled to participate in the ‘Unlimited’ section of Art Basel Basel in June, a large-scale platform for ambitious artworks.

Schipper explains, “We wanted our first Korean artist to at least indirectly reflect Korean narratives. Jeon’s work incorporates traditional Korean materials while maintaining an international sensibility, making it a unique blend that is accessible yet deeply rooted in Korean culture.”

Esther Schipper Seoul’s Director, Kim Sun-il, adds, “While introducing our represented artists to Korea is important, we also aim to actively promote Korean artists internationally. With this expanded space, we will continue our efforts to support Korean artists.”


 
New Space, First Exhibition

To mark its reopening in Hannam-dong, the Seoul gallery will present a group exhibition featuring works by Ugo Rondinone, Martin Boyce, and Anicka Yi, running until March 8. In April, it will participate in the ‘Art OnO’ art fair, focusing on emerging artists, while Belgian artist Ann Veronica Janssens’ solo exhibition is scheduled for this fall.
 
With its commitment to experimentation and collaboration, Esther Schipper Gallery continues to push boundaries in Seoul, exploring new possibilities within the Korean art market. As Seoul solidifies its status as the epicenter of the Asian art scene, the gallery is not merely expanding its presence but fostering new cultural connections in a rapidly evolving landscape.

References

• 에스더쉬퍼 갤러리 보도자료 (Esther Schipper Gallery's Press Release)