Seoul According to: Kyungmin Lee of Whistle

Whistle was founded in June 2017 in Itaewon, Seoul. It has established a reputation as a collaborative and nurturing space for emerging artists with an exciting curatorial mandate to explore new ways of presenting work. Its founder Kyungmin Lee gives her recommendations for the Korean capital, a city she sees as both ‘dynamic’ (good) and ‘too fast’ (bad).

What’s great about your gallery’s location?

Whistle is located in Itaewon, a well-connected area allowing easy access to different parts of Seoul. The neighbourhood is known for its multicultural atmosphere: lots of different art, music, fashion and food. Our exhibition space has recently relocated to the first and basement floor to give us more room for diverse curatorial projects.

What changes have you seen in your neighbourhood in the last few years and in the city in general?

Over the past five years, Yongsan, which includes Hannam and Itaewon, has witnessed substantial changes, especially in its art scene. Leeum has resumed exhibitions, the Amore Pacific Museum has opened and numerous international galleries have launched outposts in Seoul. The opening of new exhibition spaces, especially those run by artists and curators, reflects the rapid transformation of this city.

What is the guiding ethos of Whistle?

It is an exhibition space for artistic sensory experience. The programme focuses mainly on emerging artists based in Seoul, with curated group exhibitions from international artists. Whistle organizes an exhibition as a collaborator of the artist.

You have quite a complex dual booth with ROH at Frieze Seoul this year: can you say a little more about it?

The premise of the collaboration is the interest from artists of both galleries in fundamental matter. This interest extends to their collision, which can either strengthen or destabilize, as they intersect and influence each other. The resulting presentation is an expression of artists’ sensitivity to radical uncertainties. Such uncertainties emerge in their works as part of an almost obsessive consideration of the properties that make up mediums and structures. Both artists reflect on wider questions of the self versus the other, and perceived realities versus their constructions. The aim of the dual booth is to create a dialogue between the artists.

Favourite museum or gallery in Seoul?

Here are some of my favourites! Art Sonje Center, Songeun Art Space, Primary Practice (run by independent curator Sungwoo Kim), Locus Solus (an irregular exhibition space, run by independent curator Eunna Bae), White Noise and Shower.

Last exhibition you went to?

It was Kyoungtae Kim’s solo exhibition ‘A Finite but Unbounded Force’ at the HITE Collection in Seoul.

Which emerging artists excite you at the moment?

There are so many! Some are: Hyun Nahm, Leehaiminsun, Moon Isaac, Kei Imazu, Stella Zhong, Yui Yaegashi and Wong Ping. 

What’s different about the Seoul art scene from that of other cities?

Seoul’s art scene is very vibrant and wide-ranging. There are many artists and curators opening and running spaces, and independent scenes like this can carve out their own niches and coexist alongside big institutions and commercial galleries. 

Favourite place to eat in your neighbourhood?

I’d recommend Friend Chicken, Wild Duck Canteen and Big Lights.

Best bar near Whistle?

Snail Bar and ATM (Against the Machine).

Best thing about Seoul?

It’s dynamic!

Worst thing about Seoul?

Everything is too fast!

Whistle is taking part in Frieze Seoul, COEX, 4 – 7 September 2024.

Further Information

Limited tickets for Frieze Seoul are now on sale – don’t miss out, buy yours now. Alternatively, become a member to enjoy premier access, multi-day entry, exclusive guided tours and more.

BUY NOW

A dedicated online Frieze Viewing Room opens in the week before the fair, offering audiences a first look at the presentations and the ability to engage with the fair remotely. 

For all the latest news from Frieze, sign up to the newsletter at frieze.com, and follow @friezeofficial on Instagram, X and Frieze Official on Facebook.

^{Main image: Kyungmin Lee. Photo: STUDIO706}