From Seongjin Cho to an AI Special Exhibition: Kiaf SEOUL 2026 Program Unveiled

“HUMAL” and “VIRTUAL VITAL” Held Simultaneously
Special Exhibitions, Talks, and Classical Performances
Under the Theme of “Coexistence”

Kiaf SEOUL, the nation’s largest art fair, has chosen “Coexistence” as the theme for this year’s event, presenting a special exhibition exploring the relationship between humans and technology, an international talk program, and a performance by pianist Seongjin Cho.

Pianist Seongjin Cho. Stephan Rabold

On July 20, Kiaf SEOUL unveiled the “HUMAL” special exhibition, centered on the theme of “Coexistence,” as well as the augmented reality (AR) special exhibition “VIRTUAL VITAL.” The core of this year’s program is to revisit human senses, creativity, and physicality in an era of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies, and to explore new relationships between humans and technology.

“HUMAL,” combining “Human” and “Animal,” is an exhibition that focuses on inner instincts and vitality. Seven artists—Kang Gun, Kwak Jisoo, Sung Byunghee, Oh Hyungkeun, Lee Dongwook, Lee Hwan-kwon, and Hwang Sooyeon—use diverse media including sculpture, installation, painting, and photography to interpret the tension and coexistence between humans and technology, civilization and instinct. The AR special exhibition “VIRTUAL VITAL” provides an expanded art-viewing experience by extending works into digital spaces through QR codes.

During the art fair, talk programs will be held in partnership with the Arts Management Support Center and Frieze Seoul. With topics such as “Biennales and Curatorial Practices,” “Nam June Paik in the Age of AI,” and “Collectors’ Talk,” domestic and international art professionals will participate to discuss contemporary art and the global art market’s latest trends.

Seven artists participating in the HUMAL special exhibition. KIAF Seoul

The “Kiaf Classic” concert program is also planned. On September 4, pianist Seongjin Cho will perform “Resonance of Coexistence with Seongjin Cho” at the COEX Auditorium. Kiaf aims to expand the connection between visual art and music, offering visitors a more expansive artistic experience.

Kiaf SEOUL is scheduled to officially announce the main programs for this year’s event—including the special exhibitions—at a joint press conference with Frieze Seoul on August 19.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.