Sangwon Chun Returns to The Other Art Fair Brooklyn 2026
By Darren Smith, Arts Reporter
April 5, 2026, 1:13 PM PST
BROOKLYN — Korean painter Sangwon Chun will exhibit for the second year in a row at The Other Art Fair Brooklyn, presented by Saatchi Art, as the accessible fair continues its spring edition at the historic Agger Fish Building in the Brooklyn Navy Yard from April 16–19, 2026.
The announcement, released in recent hours, underscores the fair’s role as a platform for emerging and mid-career artists outside traditional gallery systems. Chun, known for his contemplative abstract and figurative works that blend traditional Korean ink techniques with contemporary sensibilities, joins approximately 100 independent artists selected for the edition. His repeat participation signals growing collector interest in his practice amid a broader push for diverse voices in accessible art fairs.
The Other Art Fair, launched by Saatchi Art to democratize contemporary art buying, emphasizes direct artist-collector interactions without booth fees for participants in some models. This Brooklyn edition follows the fair’s established format of intimate viewing rooms, live events, and an Opening Night preview, making high-quality work approachable for new buyers while maintaining curatorial rigor.
Chun’s inclusion builds on positive reception from his 2025 debut. His paintings often explore themes of memory, identity, and cultural hybridity through layered surfaces and subtle color palettes that reward close viewing. In a market where digital and new media art command headlines, Chun’s commitment to painting offers a counterpoint rooted in material craft and emotional depth—aligning with ongoing conversations about the enduring value of traditional mediums in contemporary practice.
Fair organizers highlighted the edition’s focus on independent talent. “The Other Art Fair continues to champion artists who bring fresh perspectives directly to audiences,” a Saatchi Art representative noted in supporting materials. While no new direct quote from Chun was immediately available, his return reflects the fair’s success in fostering repeat visibility for artists building international profiles.
The timing arrives as spring art fair season accelerates, with The Other Art Fair also announcing its Chicago edition for later in 2026 at Artifact Events, featuring 115 artists. Brooklyn’s Navy Yard location adds industrial charm and logistical ease, drawing local Brooklyn collectors alongside visitors from Manhattan and beyond. Industry observers see such fairs as vital in a year when major institutions like the Whitney Biennial and new museum expansions dominate headlines, providing crucial mid-tier opportunities for sales and exposure.
Market significance remains notable: accessible fairs have reported steady growth in first-time buyers, particularly for works priced under $10,000, helping sustain artists amid economic uncertainties. Chun’s work, bridging East Asian traditions with global contemporary dialogues, fits broader trends of cross-cultural exchange in the field.
This development also intersects with wider conversations in contemporary art about artist agency and platform diversity. While blue-chip events command premium attention, initiatives like The Other Art Fair prioritize direct engagement, potentially influencing how digital-native collectors discover non-NFT, object-based practices.
The Brooklyn edition will include programming such as artist talks and guided tours, enhancing its educational mission. Visitors can expect a mix of painting, sculpture, and new media, with Chun’s booth likely showcasing recent canvases that continue his exploration of personal and collective narratives.
As the art world navigates intersections between traditional craft, digital innovation, and body-centric practices, events like this fair highlight the ecosystem’s breadth. Chun’s return offers a timely case study in sustained visibility for painters navigating an increasingly multifaceted landscape.
Darren Smith is an Arts Reporter at Art Chain News covering contemporary art, digital art and NFTs, body art, and the intersections between these fields.
This article is based on exhibition/auction statements, direct reporting, and institutional analysis.
