I just got back from Seoul, South Korea after an amazing week. One of my highlights was the WWD Art Gala that took place at my Hotel Josun Palace.
Hosted by WWD Korea and parallel to the opening of Frieze Seoul, this illustrious event celebrated the vibrant and diverse world of art and fashion, while honoring the achievements of remarkable artists across all genres, collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts. This year’s gala featured captivating ballet performances and several live acts, while fostering cultural exchange, and providing a platform to connect with luminaries in the creative communities of art, culture, entertainment and fashion.
The curated exhibition on display presented beautiful artworks for the live auction hosted by the famous Simon de Pury, captivating performances, an elegant cocktail reception and a gastronomically delightful dinner. I tried really hard to get one work but got outbidding by the wonderful Mrs Sung-joo Kim, who is the founder, chairwoman and chief visionary officer of the Sungjoo Group and MCM Holding AG.
Sun-joo Kim with my humble self at the gala. Such an inspiring woman.
«Women are often discriminated by age, especially in Asia. I am trying to represent a new kind of trendy woman, who is not victimized by fashion but rules over it!»
– SUN-JOO KIM.
The culmination of the night was the announcement of the winner of the Art Prize of the Year. Personally speaking, it was a great opportunity to engage with fellow art connoisseurs, meet amazing artists and collectors, forge meaningful connections, and immerse myself in the beauty and creativity that Korea has to offer, while supporting the arts.
Please enjoy my impressions of the night. I already marked my calendar for 2024!
LoL, Sandra
Most stunning floral decoration at the gala by LA based floral artist Gina Kim Park.
With wonderful Yuna Kim, CEO & Publisher WWD Korea
Live auction by Simon de Pury.
I sat next to digital artist Mike Winkelmann, alias Beeple, who sold «Everydays: The First 5000 Days,» an NFT-linked digital collage at Christie’s for $69.3 million two years ago.
And yes, we had a lot of fun!
With my dear friend Susan Shin, Art Advisor to WWD Korea, who helped organizing the event, and Jamie QQ Wu.
From left to right: Yuna Kim, a guest, my humble self, Kim Robson Ortiz, Amy Kim Young, Kim Heirston, Susan Shin and a guest.
Always inspiring Nataliya Pissarro.
With artist Dustin Yellin, who wore a traditional festive Korean outfit.
Amazing goodie bag with lots of Korean beauty products!
Photos: Courtesy of WWD Korea, © Sandra Bauknecht and Photo of me at photo wall: @photo_hola_
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!
