SEE Galerie is situated on Rue du Temple in the Marais district of Paris. Occupying a multi-level historical building, it has been designed to host contemporary art exhibitions in an unpretentious environment: simple rooms, clean white walls, and a minimalist aesthetic that serves as a quiet backdrop for artworks. Operating with an open artistic program, the gallery exhibits both emerging and established artists across diverse mediums including painting, sculpture, photography, installation, and video.
In recent years, the gallery has expanded its international collaborations. A key partnership was established in 2024 with the AJAC (Association of Young Korean Artists). Every year since, SEE Galerie dedicates an exhibition to AJAC members, providing Korean artists a platform in Paris and building a sustained dialogue between the two cultural scenes.
The exhibition “Pont Artistique Paris–Séoul” (Paris–Seoul Artistic Bridge) reflects this ongoing commitment. Bringing together artists with varied practices without imposing an overbearing theme, the project highlights intersecting French and Korean approaches presented directly and authentically.
Following exchanges with the team, we interviewed Artistic Director Manuel Gomez by email on August 14, 2026.
1. Could you introduce SEE Galerie and explain your role as Artistic Director?
Manuel Gomez: “SEE is a contemporary art gallery dedicated to promoting emerging and established artists, both French and international. Spanning diverse practices—drawing, painting, sculpture, installation, photography, and video—these artists explore materials and elements, restoring central importance to gesture and substance. Their works invite visitors to perceive the world differently, revealing hidden meanings through art.
Our curatorial approach reflects multidisciplinary themes that resonate with contemporary societal issues. Driven by a team with varied artistic sensibilities, the gallery blends perspectives to design exhibitions around narrative threads at the intersection of traditional gallery and museum formats. Combining established and emerging artists allows us to offer an engaging experience for every visitor. Beyond exhibitions, we organize talks, debates, performances, and publish periodic gazettes and art books to broaden access to contemporary creation.
SEE Galerie opened in the Marais in November 2021. Located at 84 Rue du Temple in a 16th-century building, our spaces feature verticality and luminous volumes that balance fluid visitor circulation with exhibition intimacy.
As Artistic Director, my primary role is to highlight the work of our collaborating artists and search for new talent. I develop our programming for solo and group exhibitions, handle scenography and installation management, and oversee graphic design for our publications and communications.”
2. How did the collaboration with the "Pont Artistique Paris–Séoul" exhibition come about?
Manuel Gomez: “The collaboration originated from a meeting with Demilé, president of AJAC in 2024, while the gallery was undergoing major renovations. Despite the construction site, AJAC immediately recognized the venue's potential and proposed holding their annual members' exhibition here. Since 2024, SEE has been honored to host this month-long event every September.”
3. What are the main cultural and artistic goals of this exhibition?
Manuel Gomez: “The primary objective is to promote young Korean artists whose worldviews offer a distinct perspective to the Western art scene. This fusion of practices, concepts, and sensibilities forms a genuine artistic bridge between our two countries.”
Inside exhibition view at SEE Galerie, showcasing vibrant contemporary works.
4. How were the participating Korean and French artists selected?
Manuel Gomez: “The selection process unfolded naturally, as the exhibition brings together all members of the AJAC association.”
5. Which works or themes best embody this artistic dialogue between Paris and Seoul?
Manuel Gomez: “Works that draw upon cultural traditions and reframe them within a contemporary artistic vision best represent this dialogue, embodying the dynamic union between cultural heritage and contemporary creation.”
6. What impact do you hope this exhibition will have on French and international audiences?
Manuel Gomez: “SEE Galerie aims to offer visitors a fresh perspective—an opening toward bold, youthful contemporary art deeply connected to modern society, away from major institutional names. The goal is to introduce audiences to a vibrant new generation of Korean artists.”
7. How do you view the evolution of the Korean art scene in France in recent years?
Manuel Gomez: “Building upon the legacy of the 1970s Dansaekhwa movement, a dynamic new generation of Korean artists has emerged. They masterfully blend traditional techniques, material expertise, contemporary mediums, and reflections on current social issues. SEE Galerie currently presents five Korean artists in its permanent collection and aims to further expand this representation.”
8. Is there a memorable moment from preparing this exhibition that you would like to share?
Manuel Gomez: “Following our summer renovation work, AJAC will once again inaugurate our refreshed space just as they did in 2024—a meaningful symbol of continuity and mutual trust.”
9. What are SEE Galerie’s future projects concerning Korea and the international art scene?
Manuel Gomez: “We plan to strengthen ties with the SONAMOU association, establish a future curatorial presence in Seoul, and host major Korean artistic projects. Notably, from October 14 to 20, 2026, the gallery will host the Lee Ungno residency completion exhibition featuring laureates An Tae Eun, Hwang Gyunghyun, and Son Ju-Wang.”
10. In conclusion, what message would you like to share with Korea.net readers and exhibition visitors?
Manuel Gomez: “I warmly invite everyone to visit the gallery and support this new generation of Korean artists who are actively contributing to Korea’s artistic prominence on the international stage.”
