As the international art world turns its attention to South Korea this September, Frieze Seoul 2026 once again reinforces its position as one of Asia's most influential contemporary art fairs. Among its most anticipated sections is Focus, a curated platform dedicated to emerging galleries and the next generation of artistic talent.
Now in its fourth edition, Focus is curated by Seolhui Lee and brings together 16 emerging galleries, each established in or after 2014. The section champions experimentation, fresh perspectives, and ambitious artistic practices, with every participating gallery presenting a solo exhibition specifically conceived for the fair. This year's edition marks a significant milestone. For the first time, Focus expands beyond its Asia-centric framework, welcoming emerging voices from around the world while continuing to celebrate the richness of the region's contemporary art scene. The result is a dynamic dialogue between cultures, identities, materials, and artistic languages that reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of global contemporary art.
The selected artists represent diverse practices spanning painting, sculpture, textile, installation, and conceptual art. Their works explore themes of memory, identity, transformation, perception, ecology, and the complexities of contemporary existence, offering visitors a glimpse into the future direction of international contemporary art. Among the featured artists are Johanna Seidel, presented by Gaa Gallery, whose poetic visual language navigates symbolism and narrative through works including October (2024) and Heralds (2026). Reeha Lim, represented by Coulisse Gallery, presents Unhinged (2025), an evocative exploration of psychological tension and shifting realities.
Rodeo-Town, 79x79cm, Oil-on-Canvas, 2025 by Johanna Seidel
Korean artist Yongjae Lee, presented by Caption Seoul, introduces Gaehwa 05 (2026), continuing his investigation into transformation and cultural memory. Shumu, represented by Linseed Projects, contributes It's Not Yours (2022), a thought-provoking work examining ownership, identity, and social structures. French artist Geoffroy Pithon, presented by Maat Gallery Paris, brings organic abstraction to the fore with Botanique Murmure 4 (2025), while Seungean Cha, represented by Pipe Gallery, presents Woven Leaf_1 (2025), merging natural forms with intricate textile-inspired aesthetics. Completing this compelling selection is Muyeong Kim, presented by NSLASHA, whose installation Bedridden (누운) (2026) offers an intimate reflection on vulnerability, physicality, and the human condition.
More than simply introducing emerging artists, the Focus section serves as an incubator for innovative curatorial thinking and gallery practice. It provides collectors, curators, museums, and art professionals with the opportunity to discover artists at pivotal moments in their careers, often before they achieve broader international recognition. Frieze Seoul has rapidly become one of the most significant meeting points between Asian and global contemporary art markets. The expansion of Focus in 2026 reflects the fair's growing ambition to foster meaningful cross-cultural exchange while nurturing the next generation of artistic voices.
Seungean Cha, Woven Leaf_1, 2025, Polyester yarn, dye, 61x45.5cm, Courtesy of the artist and pipe gallery, Seoul, Photo by Ian Yang
As contemporary art continues to evolve beyond geographical boundaries, platforms such as Focus demonstrate the importance of investing in emerging talent. They remind us that today's experimental practices often become tomorrow's defining movements, making this section one of the fair's most exciting destinations for anyone interested in the future of contemporary art. Frieze Seoul 2026 will take place at COEX, Seoul, from 2–5 September 2026, bringing together leading international galleries alongside a compelling new generation of artists who are redefining contemporary visual culture.