Flesh and Soul: Bacon/Ghenie To Feature 16 Masterpieces in Seoul

3 - 5 September 2022 at BOONTHESHOP
Registration now open online

Following the first announcement in July, Christie’s and HomeArt are delighted to confirm that the museum-quality exhibition, Flesh and Soul: Bacon/Ghenie at BOONTHESHOP – Cheongdam will feature 16 masterpieces by two figurative art icons worth over US$440 million. Scrupulously curated, the not-for-auction exhibition places defining artworks from Bacon and Ghenie’s oeuvres in dramatic conversation, and will be on show free of charge for the enjoyment of arts enthusiasts and the general public alike.

Amongst the array of artworks on display will be some of the artists’ most iconic motifs, including examples from Bacon’s famed Papal Series, Study for Portrait II and Study for a Pope I — haunting and sinister reinterpretations of the work Portrait of Innocent X by Spanish artist Diego Velázquez; alongside Ghenie’s renowned reimaginings of the violence, repression, and cultural tyranny of World War II, including Lidless Eye and The Collector 3. Although working a generation apart and in their own unique ways, the artists are united in their intense focus on the human condition and its darkest facets, as well as their dynamic handling of paint. By juxtaposing these masterpieces, this exhibition places their commonalities and divergences into stark focus.

Highly revered, works by both artists are held in the collections of the world’s most esteemed institutions, and have been the subject of prestigious exhibitions internationally, with a solo show of Bacon’s work recently on display at London’s Royal Academy, and Ghenie chosen to represent Romania at the 56th Venice Biennale. Christie’s is pleased to continue presenting museum-quality exhibitions to audiences in Asia, to encourage public dialogue around art and to foster cultural exchange.

Elaine Holt, Deputy Chairman and International Director, Christie’s Asia Pacific commented, "Highlighted in this pioneering exhibition is the visceral tension and haunting energy that Bacon and Ghenie both so brilliantly capture through their manipulation of paint. Curating their work side by side opens a window into the heart of a myriad of themes — love and intimacy, power and oppression, cultural icons and the tropes of war. The iconic, unparalleled masterpieces exhibited and the expert curatorial approach propels this show to museum standards, and we look forward to sharing this opportunity as widely as possible with our collector network and members of the public in Seoul as a highlight of the city’s exciting Art Week next month.”

Five of Christie’s key spokespeople will be travelling to Seoul for this important exhibition and are looking forward to connecting with South Korea’s astute collector base – Guillaume Cerutti, Christie’s CEO; Francis Belin, President, Christie’s Asia Pacific; Elaine Holt, Deputy Chairman and International Director, Christie’s Asia Pacific; Evelyn Lin, Co-Head of 20th and 21st Century Art Department, Christie’s Asia Pacific; and Cristian Albu, Co-Head of 20th and 21st Century Art Department, Christie’s Asia Pacific.

NOTES

Media Preview: 2 September, 10am – 1pm
Public Viewing: 3 – 5 September, 11am – 6pm

Location: BOONTHESHOP – Cheongdam, B1, 21, Apgujeong-ro 60-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

RSVP for Public Viewing is now open, please visit our website for more details: www.christies.com/fleshandsoul

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