Greetings

Greetings. I am Min Hyung-bae, Mayor of Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City.

I sincerely welcome everyone to the 17th Gwangju International Art Fair, Art Gwangju.

I would like to express my deep gratitude to the Gwangju Cultural Foundation, the Art Gwangju Secretariat, and all the galleries and artists from home and abroad who have graced us with their valuable works.

Art Gwangju is an international platform for artistic exchange, connecting artworks with people, and bridging art with the market. Through this fair, local artists and their works have reached wider audiences and expanded into broader markets.

Beyond appreciating the artworks, visitors may also discover and acquire pieces that truly resonate with them. The experience of forming a personal connection with an artwork and bringing that inspiration from the exhibition hall into everyday life is one of the distinct pleasures of Art Gwangju.

This year’s Art Gwangju showcases the expanded artistic capacity of Jeonnam-Gwangju. A diverse array of programs has been prepared, including docent tours, the Rising Star Exhibition introducing young local artists, and the Propose Exhibition featuring works from private collections.

This autumn, Jeonnam-Gwangju is richer in art than ever before. With the Gwangju Biennale, Art Gwangju, and numerous other exhibitions unfolding together, I hope Art Gwangju will stand at the heart of this vibrant season, connecting art with people and breathing new vitality into the local art market.

Thank you.

Mayor of Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City

Min Hyung-bae