Controversy Over Solbi's Award... Jin Joong-kwon Criticizes "Seeing Art School as a Status"

Recently, singer and painter Solbi received the 'Grand Artist Award,' the top prize at the '2021 Barcelona International Art Awards,' which caused some discomfort among certain members of the art community.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon pointed out that the controversy over singer and painter Solbi winning the Grand Prize at the International Art Awards stems from "understanding graduating from art school as a social status."

On the 10th, Jin shared an article about Solbi on his Facebook and said, "An artist is a function, not a status."

Jin's remarks are interpreted to mean that criticism from some in the art world toward Solbi for being a non-art major is unjustified.

Earlier this month, Solbi won the 'Grand Artist Award,' the top prize at the '2021 Barcelona International Art Awards' held in Barcelona, Spain.

However, after the news of Solbi's award was announced, various suspicions arose regarding the event's authority, the selection process, and allegations of plagiarism.

Lee Gyuwon, an artist active under the name 'Hongdae Lee,' appeared on the YouTube channel 'Jung Youngjin and Choi Wook's Maebul Show' on the 9th and said, "An art fair is not an exhibition but a place to buy and sell artworks," adding, "Over 1,000 artists participate in Korean art fairs, but only about 60 participated in this art fair."

Lee explained, "Usually, galleries or individuals pay booth fees to participate in art fairs, and paying the participation fee comes with certain benefits," adding, "You can be nominated for an award."

He further claimed, "Looking at the gallery booth map, Solbi's booth was the largest," and "If Solbi paid to participate, she paid the most money."

He also said, "They say Solbi was invited, but that is even more problematic," adding, "All participants pay booth fees and expect to be nominated for awards, so if Solbi, who was invited, won the grand prize, it raises suspicions that the award was predetermined."

Painter Lee Jinseok also stated on his YouTube broadcast, "What authority can an award have if artists are forced to pay booth and participation fees and the exhibition lasts only two days?" He said, "It is definitely not an authoritative award."

He also raised plagiarism suspicions, saying, "Solbi's work was very similar to that of Chiharu Shiota, who exhibited at Gana Art."

In response to the criticism, Solbi's side refuted the claims through media interviews. They explained that they participated after receiving an official invitation letter from the art fair organizing committee and did not pay participation fees because they were invited.

They also stated that the event is a prestigious art event in Barcelona with a 10-year history, including exhibitions this year, and that works by famous overseas artists were also submitted. They said claims that the event lacks authority belittle the other participating artists as well.

Furthermore, Solbi's side added, "In Korea, artists pay participation fees to compete for awards at art competitions, and any art fair requires booth fees to participate. A Korean artist was recognized for their work, invited overseas, participated without paying fees, and was awarded again for the artistic value. Any art fair held under the name of a city proves its scale."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.