Visitors exploring paul cox frieze seoul, surrounded by vibrant, large-scale gouache paintings.

Paul Cox’s 336 Artworks Transform Frieze Seoul into a Meditative Oasis

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Written by Seth Sebastian

2026-10-03

As September ushered in Frieze Seoul 2026, the Shinsegae Group captivated visitors with an extraordinary exhibition of French artist Paul Cox’s meditative pieces. Known as the celebrated showcase, this impressive display took place from September 2 to 5 at the Shinsegae Lounge, proudly presenting “L’Immensité du Quotidien: The Monumental Everyday.” This event featured 336 works from Cox’s Diary series, marking their public debut.

Vibrant gouache paintings by Paul Cox on display in a large, open gallery space.
Paul Cox’s artworks were painted in vibrant gouache colours

The Impact of the Showcase on Art Enthusiasts

The exhibition’s walls were adorned with a striking array of Cox’s gouache paintings, each capturing everyday subjects such as buildings, trees, and fields. With each piece stemming from Cox’s daily ritual, the collection invited onlookers to witness the evolution of his artistry, progressing from delicate line drawings to vibrant color compositions. When viewed collectively, these individual works converge into a grand, unified landscape. The collection adds a notable depth to the art exhibition.

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“Individually modest in scale, together the works accumulate into a monumental landscape shaped by repetition, observation and time,” expressed Shinsegae Group.

Frieze Seoul’s bustling atmosphere offered a serene contrast with Cox’s exhibition, encouraging guests to pause and appreciate the understated beauty of routine scenes. “Against the pace of an international art fair, that attention to the familiar offers a quiet counterpoint, inviting visitors to look longer at what might otherwise pass unseen,” noted the group. This reflective space thus provided a reflective space amidst the lively art exhibition environment.

Cox's Diary series artwork displayed prominently for the first time at Frieze Seoul.
Cox’s Diary series was presented publicly for the first time

The prominent Shinsegae Group, renowned for its Emart and Shinsegae Department Store, orchestrated this exhibition based on chairman Chung Yong-jin’s vision that retail should transcend mere transactions. The group’s goal is to weave art and culture into everyday environments, encouraging people to take their time and engage more deeply with events like this unique exhibition.

For more on how retail spaces can integrate with culture, explore Shanghai’s Zara Store’s innovative design for a transformative shopping experience.

Paul Cox's exhibition marks the start of Shinsegae's partnership with Frieze in Seoul.
Cox’s exhibition was the first endeavour of Shinsegae Group’s five-year partnership as the headline partner of Frieze in Seoul

This exhibition is part of Shinsegae Group’s five-year endeavor as the headline partner of Frieze in Seoul, aiming to blend retail with the art world. This initiative seeks to enhance Seoul’s stature as a pivotal exchange hub for global and Korean artists, galleries, and collectors. The influence of this showcase plays a crucial role in this cultural synergy.

Colourful artworks by Paul Cox displayed as part of a meditative, artistic exhibition.
Paul Cox creates colourful meditative artworks

With projects that redefine customer experiences, Shinsegae Group continues to impact Korea’s retail and urban landscape. Their efforts trace back to 1963 with the launch of the Shinsegae Gallery, the first retailer-established art gallery in Korea. Today, the Shinsegae Group’s diverse portfolio extends across e-commerce, hotels, and various lifestyle sectors, maintaining its commitment to art’s integration into daily life. The ongoing involvement in events like this exhibition epitomizes this dedication.

Source: dezeen.com

Frequently asked questions

What is the title of Paul Cox’s exhibition at Frieze Seoul?

The title of Paul Cox’s exhibition at Frieze Seoul is ‘L’Immensité du Quotidien: The Monumental Everyday.’

How many artworks are displayed in Paul Cox’s exhibition?

The exhibition features 336 works from Paul Cox’s Diary series.

What is the goal of Shinsegae Group’s partnership with Frieze Seoul?

The goal of Shinsegae Group’s partnership with Frieze Seoul is to blend retail with the art world and enhance Seoul’s stature as a pivotal exchange hub for global and Korean artists, galleries, and collectors.