The Busan Art Galleries Association is proud to present the 2026 BAMA (15th Busan International Art Fair), an landmark event hosted by the association and managed by the BAMA Organizing Committee that will transform the BEXCO Exhibition Center 1 from the 2nd to the 5th of next month.
Under the visionary theme "NODE: The Joint of Connection and Expansion," this year’s fair seeks to transcend the traditional marketplace by positioning itself as a living laboratory for a new artistic ecosystem.
This ambitious expansion features a massive scale of 136 participating galleries from around the globe, collectively showcasing over 4,000 diverse artworks to solidify Busan’s reputation as a premier hub for the Asian art market.
The fair’s international reach is underscored by the participation of 13 overseas galleries representing eight different countries, including the United States, France, Germany, Georgia, Malaysia, and Taiwan. This global perspective is balanced by a strong domestic presence from prestigious institutions such as Lee Hwaik Gallery, Keumsan Gallery, Gaia, Shilla Gallery, and Gallery We.
Furthermore, the vibrant local spirit of Busan is well-represented by prominent names like Chass Art Center, Gallery Joy, Artsoop, Mo J, Lee & Bae, Fine Art, and Date, all coming together to create a rich tapestry of contemporary creative expression.
In a dedicated effort to look toward the future, BAMA 2026 has curated several high-impact programs that emphasize the discovery of emerging talent and the exploration of diverse mediums.
The special exhibition titled “Vibrant Node: The Pulse of 20·30” focuses specifically on 17 selected young Korean artists—including Lee Min-geol, Lee Hyeon-do, and Baek Na-won—to highlight the experimental and boundary-pushing work of the next generation.
Simultaneously, the exhibition “NODE: Intersection of Space” utilizes the physical layout of the venue to display media, 3D, and sculpture installations, where artists like Choi Eun-jeong and No Dong-shik offer visitors a new sensory experience through the innovative use of materials and spatial flow.
To celebrate its milestone 15th anniversary, the fair also features a commemorative archive project titled “BAMA 15: Re-connecting the Future.”
This reflective exhibit includes a "Timeline Wall" that documents the fair’s history through interviews with gallery directors and artists, while the “Interactive Future” program allows visitors to directly engage by leaving their own messages for the years to come.
Chae Min-jung, President of the Busan Art Galleries Association, emphasized that the ultimate goal is to expand international exchange for local artists and ensure that Busan continues to grow as a globally competitive city of culture and art.
