Judy Joo’s Five Favourite Works from Frieze Seoul Viewing Room

Daniel Arsham, Fractured Idols XVI, 2024

Acrylic on Canvas, 142 cm x 132 cm. Presented by Nanzuka

I love how this artwork presents a striking juxtaposition of classical and contemporary styles. I always love duality and mixing of genres. The piece cleverly fuses two distinct artistic worlds, creating a dialogue between the past and present. I love how this piece forces you to contemplate the past, present and future all at once.

Sohan Qadri, Untitled, 2010 

Ink and dye on paper, 140 cm x 99.8 cm. Presented by DAG

I found this exhibit as a whole completely mesmerising and captivating. The richness and layers of colour pull you into the painting, drawing you into its depths. I felt like I was diving into the deepest oceans. The rippling rhythmic lines evoke a sense of calm and infinite depth. I love the delicate interplay of texture and colour; this work gives me a sense of transcendental peace. I want to buy this piece and hang it in my bedroom…I think it would help me meditate. 

Nell, The ghost who walks will never die (pink light #8), 2024 

Hand-blown glass, 19.5 x 16.9 x 18.1 cm. Presented by Station

I found these hand-blown glass ghosts completely adorable as they remind me of the Pac-Man video game ghosts, but with a tinge of octopus-ness, rendering them cute yet provocative. They are translucent (seen and unseen) and thus mysterious. Even the title is contemplative, The ghost who walks will never die – what the hell does that mean? Aren’t ghosts already dead and damned to roam eternally, never resting? Again, I love the duality of this piece. It is fragile yet eternal.

Youngju Joung, Memory 109, 2024 

Acrylic and paper on canvas, 130.3 x 162.2 cm. Presented by Almine Rech

This piece at first glance looked like a photograph to me, but upon closer examination, I realised it was a textured painting. I love the serene scene of snowy roofs, with lights illuminating the streets like stars in the sky. The use of paper adds a striking element of realism that I found captivating. I was left with a sense of peace… and cosiness. 

John Giorno, YOU GOT TO BURN TO SHINE, 2018 

Acrylic on canvas, 284.48 x 284.48 cm. Presented by Almine Rech

This massive piece made me laugh, as this statement is so true, yet it’s not a trite saying. I always say that you have to have a fire under your ass in order to make it in life… burn, baby, burn! Then, and only then, will you have a chance to shine like a diamond! I also like the rainbow in the background, alluding to the pot of gold at the end (and perhaps a leprechaun to bring you luck too).

About Judy Joo

After training at the French Culinary Institute in New York, Chef Judy Joo worked for prestigious restaurants worldwide, including The French Laundry in California, The Fat Duck in Bray and Nahm in Bangkok. She starred in Iron Chef UK, which led to a series of her own shows and two cookbooks on Korean food. Judy's Korean fried chicken restaurant 'Seoul Bird' is located in London, Last Vegas and New York. 

About Frieze Seoul Viewing Room   

Open to all from 28 August to 13 September, Frieze Viewing Room is the online catalogue for the fair, giving global audiences access to gallery presentations coming to Frieze Seoul 2024. Visitors can search artworks by artist, price, date and medium, save favourite artworks and presentations, chat with galleries and much more.   

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Further Information  

Frieze Seoul is at COEX, 4 – 7 September 2024.  

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