‘Layered Medium’ Exhibit Brings Six Decades of Korean Art to Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s Manarat Al Saadiyat is set to host ‘Layered Medium: We Are in Open Circuits’, the first large-scale showcase of Korean contemporary art in the Gulf region.

Running from May 16th to June 30th, 2025, the exhibit is a collaborative effort between the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA). Co-curated by SeMA’s Kyung-hwan Yeo and independent curator Maya El Khalil, the exhibition features 48 works by 29 Korean artists, including pioneers like Nam June Paik and Park Hyunki, as well as contemporary figures such as Lee Bul, Haegue Yang, Ayoung Kim, and Moka Lee. The exhibition explores the evolution of Korea’s avant-garde art scene over six decades, highlighting how artists have responded to social and technological changes.

The exhibition’s title, inspired by Nam June Paik’s phrase “We Are in Open Circuits,” reflects its focus on the medium as a system of communication. Visitors will encounter a diverse range of media, from early experiments in video and performance to immersive installations and digital simulations, offering insights into how media shapes perception, memory, and connection.

Designed by the acclaimed studio Formafantasma, the exhibition space enhances the thematic exploration of media and communication. A dynamic public programme, including panel talks, screenings, and performances, will accompany the exhibition. Notably, on May 16th, a curatorial discussion featuring Kyung-hwan Yeo, Maya El Khalil, and artists Byungjun Kwon and Goen Choi will delve into the exhibition’s conceptual framework.

‘Layered Medium: We Are in Open Circuits’ is open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM at Manarat Al Saadiyat. Admission is free, and further details about the public programme are available online.