Dear Fear, 2020, by Dew Kim, whose work is featured at "Spectrosynthesis"
Photo: Junyong Cho

After launching at MoCA Taipei in 2017 and making stops in Bangkok and Hong Kong, "Spectrosynthesis" is opening for a fourth edition of the series that highlights the works of LGBTQ+ artists and allies. "Spectrosynthesis Seoul" opens on March 20 at the Art Sonje Center in South Korea, an Asian country known for being quite conservative. But this isn't the first time the series has entered unfamiliar territory.

Patrick Sun, founder of the Sunpride Foundation, which hosts the series, told Frieze that there was skepticism when he first started the foundation and again when he took "Spectrosynthesis" to Hong Kong. "By the third edition—and coming from Hong Kong myself—some thought it would be challenging to bring the exhibition there," he explained. "But we did, and the exhibition was very well received by both the public and the art world. That experience reaffirmed our direction."

Notably, this is the first time a major institution in Korea has dedicated a presentation to queer subjects, narratives, and artistic practices.

Where He Meets in Seoul (2020), by Inhwan Oh, whose works is on display at "Spectrosynthesis." 
Image courtesy of the artist

The direction of "Spectrosynthesis" aligns with Sunpride Foundation's own: to foster a stronger, healthier, and more equitable world for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies through art. Each iteration of the series highlights regional social, political, and cultural conditions, which is true of the Seoul, South Korea edition, as well.

Notably, this is the first time a major institution in Korea has dedicated a presentation to queer subjects, narratives, and artistic practices. Curated by Sunjung Kim, Art Sonje Center's artistic director, and Dr. Yongwoo Lee, an assistant professor of cultural studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the exhibit sheds light on the histories and lived realities of the Korean LGBTQ+ community through works by local and international artists. Sunjung uses "trans" as a core theme of the exhibit to examine the transformative conditions of people who push the boundaries of body, ethnicity, gender, life and death, and reality and illusion. Yongwoo builds on that foundation with three key tenets—memory, place, and form—to examine the practice of Korean queer art.

Upper Body (2023), by Jeong-ui Yun, whose work is part of "Spectrosynthesis."
Image courtesy of the artist

Local talent such as Ayoung Kim, Kang Seung Lee, and Inhwan Oh are being displayed alongside well-known international names, including Annie Leibovitz, Gilbert & George, Martin Wong, and Robert Rauschenberg. "Spectrosynthesis Seoul" features more than 30 works from Sunpride Foundation's existing collection, as well as performances and programs to shape the discourse.

"Spectrosynthesis Seoul" will run from March 20 through June 28 at Art Sonje Center in Seoul, South Korea.

—Dalene Rovenstine

Patrick Sun is the founder and executive director of the Sunpride Foundation, which is hosting "Spectrosynthesis Seoul," an exhibition highlighting the works of LGBTQ+ artists and allies.