Lehmann Maupun Gallery

Stepping into the vibrant art scene of Seoul, one can’t miss the Lehmann Maupin Gallery. Originally nestled in the Sogyeokdong neighborhood, the gallery made a grand move in early spring 2022. It found a new, larger home in the glamorous Hannam-dong district. This area is a haven for K-pop stars, movie icons, and a growing number of art galleries, both local and international. The Lehmann Maupin Gallery stands as a two-story masterpiece, designed by the award-winning Society of Architecture. It even boasts an outdoor terrace, perfect for showcasing large-scale sculptures. Leading this artistic haven is the experienced senior director, Emma Son. She predicted back in 2022 that Korea would shine brightly on the international art stage. The Lehmann Maupin Gallery isn’t a newcomer to the Korean art world. Its roots trace back to the late 1990s and early 2000s. The gallery represented Korean artists like Do Ho Suh and Lee Bul long before their Seoul outpost launched in 2017. This move made Lehmann Maupin one of the first international galleries to establish a permanent presence in South Korea. Interestingly, the gallery’s inaugural exhibition in the new Hannam-dong space featured an American artist. Lari Pittman, known for his vibrant and complex paintings, showcased 15 new works. The exhibition, titled “Opaque, Translucent, Luminous,” marked Pittman’s first show in South Korea. While Pittman’s primary market works typically range from $225,000 to $300,000, his pieces have been known to fetch up to $700,000 in the secondary market. The Lehmann Maupin Gallery recognized the growing influence of Asian buyers in the art market. They saw the increasing interest from young Korean collectors. Co-founder Rachel Lehmann observed this shift, noting how the younger generation became a driving force in the art scene during the pandemic. She emphasized the strong local support for Korean artists. She stated that “The biggest supporters of Korean artists are the Koreans.” The Lehmann Maupin Gallery in Seoul stands as a testament to the city’s growing importance in the global art world. It’s a place where established and emerging artists find a platform. It’s a space where art enthusiasts and collectors can experience the dynamic energy of contemporary art.