'Those pieces were simply not meant to be part of my collection': Mari Hong on avoiding regret
“Living with art” is the collector’s mantra, as she fills her home with the works she buys—and the ephemera she gathers from the many fairs and biennials she visits each year
Mari Hong, a Seoul-based art enthusiast with a background in fashion design and marketing, has been a dedicated collector for over a decade. Her collection includes renowned artists such as Alex Katz, Philippe Parreno, and Yuko Mohri. Hong's living archive in her domestic space comprises exhibition catalogues, VIP passes, limited-edition objects, and personal notes from visits to artists' studios.
She emphasizes the importance of "living with art" by keeping her collection close and interacting with the positive energy every day.
Hong's initial acquisitions were charming pieces featuring a teddy-bear motif, which she acquired for their intellectual value and to evoke childhood nostalgia. These pieces, placed on her study bookshelves, became the foundation of her lifelong dedication to archiving contemporary art. This year has seen a dynamic global art scene, with Hong acquiring a striking piece by Mia Chaplin after personally visiting her studio in Cape Town.
Reflecting on her regrets, Hong mentions a major canvas piece she encountered during an early studio visit. Despite hesitation, she decided not to buy it, believing it was not meant to be part of her collection. If she could have any work from any museum in the world, Hong would choose a monumental outdoor contemporary sculpture or installation.
Hong advises visitors to Seoul to explore the Hannam-dong and Samcheong-dong districts, which are home to premier galleries and sophisticated dining. She also recommends the hidden gem of Sinheung Market in Haebangchon, where she finds an artistic and bohemian atmosphere away from the city's hustle.
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