Urban Break 2023, Asia’s largest young and hip urban-street art festival, kicked off on Thursday at Coex in Southern Seoul, drawing a multitude of visitors, especially among the younger population.

Marking its fourth year, the art fair has returned with a festival-concept space design and six special exhibitions titled “Crazy Experience.”

Brooklyn-based award-winning artist Jason Naylor celebrated the opening of the fair with a spray-painting performance, creating his iconic “Open Heart” artwork on a Hyundai Motor Co.’s Ioniq 6. Print Bakery, renowned for its inclusive approach to art and its popularity among younger people, showcased eight new pieces by their highly sought-after artist, DADAZ.

The “Objects” series, which portrays familiar items like grapes and mushrooms transformed into whimsical characters with eyes, noses, and mouths, garnered significant attention. The series was quickly sold out on the first day, continuing the commercial success seen in previous exhibitions. Gallery Banditrazos sold one painting by Spanish artist Javier Calleja and two by another talented Spanish artist, Edgar Plans.

Urban Break distinguishes itself with a diverse range of mid- to low-priced artworks, making art accessible to a wide audience. Prices for the exhibited pieces ranged from hundreds to thousands of dollars. “Although artificial intelligence is now capable of creating art in this era, I see a gateway to a new art market through the incredible talent of artists and the enthusiastic young art lovers who come here to enjoy their work,” said Special Presidential Adviser on Culture and Sports Yu In-chon during his visit to the art fair.

By Lee Han-na, Kim Seul-gi, Kim Yoo-tae, Lee Yong-ik, and Chang Iou-chung

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