Seoul Auction will
host its May sale on May 27 at its Gangnam Center in Seoul, presenting 89 works
by prominent Korean and international artists, including Lee Ufan, Do
Sang-bong, and Ayako Rokkaku. The total low estimate of the offerings amounts
to approximately ₩6.2 billion (USD 4.5 million).
Lee Ufan, Dialogue,
2019, Acrylic on canvas, 218.5×291.3 cm, Estimated at ₩1.9B-₩2.5B (USD
1.38M–1.81M) / Courtesy of Seoul Auction
The highlight of the
sale is Lee Ufan’s monumental painting Dialogue(2019), a
300-ho scale canvas measuring 218.5×291.3 cm. A vivid blue brush mark gradually
fades from right to left, surrounded by an expansive white space—a visual
embodiment of Lee’s signature philosophy of the “dialogue” between mark and
void. The estimate ranges from ₩1.9 billion to ₩2.5 billion (USD 1.38M–1.81M).
Do Sang-bong, Lilac,
Oil on canvas, 50×60.5 cm, Estimate: ₩220M–₩350M (USD 160K–250K) / Courtesy of
Seoul Auction
A key highlight in
Korean modern art is Lilac by Do Sang-bong
(1902–1977), featuring blooming lilacs in a white porcelain jar radiating in
contrast to a dark background. Regarded as one of his most iconic compositions,
the work is estimated at ₩220 million to ₩350 million (USD 160K–250K).
Hwang Yeom-soo, Rose, Oil on canvas, 38×45.3 cm, Estimate: ₩30M–₩50M (USD 22K–36K) / Courtesy of Seoul Auction
Also featured is a
vibrant rose painting by Hwang Yeom-soo (1917–2008), known as “the painter of
roses.” Painted in the 8-ho size format, the canvas is filled with red, white,
and pink roses against a deep blue background. The estimate is ₩30 million to ₩50
million (USD 22K–36K).
Ayako Rokkaku, Untitled, Acrylic on canvas, Ø201 cm, 2011, Estimate: ₩300M–₩500M (USD 217K–362K) / Courtesy of Seoul Auction
A standout among
international works is Untitled (2011) by Japanese
artist Ayako Rokkaku. Painted with her fingertips, this large circular canvas
exudes a tactile, energetic quality. The estimate is ₩300 million to ₩500
million (USD 217K–362K).
Also on offer are a
series of sculptural and object-based works. These include The
American LOVE (White Blue Red) by American artist Robert Indiana; a
striking red-and-white pumpkin sculpture by Yayoi Kusama; and Golden
Memories by Zhang Xiaogang, created with 24-karat gold.
In the luxury
section, Tiffany & Co.’s Amethyst ‘Bird on a Rock’ Brooch will be offered
with an estimate of ₩25 million to ₩65 million (USD 18K–47K). Set atop a
60-carat amethyst, the brooch features a bird composed of pink sapphires,
diamonds, and gold. Originally designed in the 1960s by the legendary Jean
Schlumberger, the piece continues to be reimagined through various limited
editions.
All lots will be
available for public viewing at Seoul Auction’s Gangnam Center until the day of
the auction, May 27. Admission is free.
