The Korean collector Jae Myung Noh has launched the new art fair Art ONO "One and Only" which was held in April this year from 18th to 21st April in Seoul.

1. You have always been passionate about collecting, first toys and now also artworks, how and when did you become interested in collecting art?

I started my collection back when I was in the United States during my school days. Some of my friends were into collecting KAWS toys, and I suppose that influenced me. Aside from their influence, I've always had a passion for collecting various items since I was young, including collectibles, coins, stamps, and sports memorabilia. Initially, I began with editioned prints and art toys, but over time, my collection expanded to include artworks and sculptures.

Aside from their influence, I've always had a passion for collecting various items since I was young, including collectibles, coins, stamps, and sports memorabilia.

2. You also have a strong interest in emerging artists, don’t you? What role do you feel you play in supporting these new artists? Do you feel a responsibility towards newness?

Absolutely. I’m drawn to emerging artists who show promise in developing their practices. As a young collector myself, I feel a sense of responsibility to support and trust young artists who are not established yet. New artists develop, expand, and sometimes even get lost. I am more than happy to wait and see their growth-their changes.

As a young collector myself, I feel a sense of responsibility to support and trust young artists who are not established yet

3. Why did you decide to launch ART OnO in Seoul? What do you want to bring new with this art fair?

Seoul’s growing art scene and its potential on the global stage inspired me to launch ART OnO here. With the goal of elevating the local art scene onto the international stage, I strive to navigate the Korean art market into the coming era by satisfying the needs of discerning galleries, institutions, artists, and collectors.

Seoul’s growing art scene and its potential on the global stage inspired me to launch ART OnO here.

4. In relation to the creation of your new art fair, how important is for you the quality of the works that the galleries will present?

When it comes to quality, the quality of the works is, of course, very important. If anything, quality is everything. However, I think a lot of people care too much about the brand, the name, and the price of artists and/or galleries. I want to see a new art fair where the focal point would be on the quality of the works and gallery programs altogether. I also want to create a platform that allows galleries to bring something new to the audience. New-meaning fresh, or something different than the usual art-fair suspects and what they bring to other fairs.

5. Can you define ART OnO’s philosophy?

ART OnO stands for ART One and Only. It distinguishes itself from other art fairs worldwide, many of which primarily function as markets. While ART OnO may not claim to be the best art fair, it stands as the One and Only platform that unites art lovers, from collectors to institutions.

The essence of ART OnO is captured in the phrase "Young and Fresh, but Classy." I aim to showcase artworks, artists, and galleries that exude/show youthfulness and freshness while upholding a standard of quality and sophistication.

The essence of ART OnO is captured in the phrase "Young and Fresh, but Classy." I aim to showcase artworks, artists, and galleries that exude/show youthfulness and freshness while upholding a standard of quality and sophistication.

6. What qualities do you think a good collector should have? Should he/she focus only on the artist and the work or should he/she broaden his/her vision when selecting what he/she wants to buy?

Collectors begin their art collecting journey for a range of reasons—some out of pure love for art, others for decoration or investment. Regardless, maintaining a broad and long-term perspective in building a collection is crucial, as collectors should find their own taste in art. Otherwise, collectors may tire and eventually abandon their pursuit. With endless aspects to explore, such as artists, artworks, art history, and/or galleries, if one lacks genuine interest, sustaining the dedication becomes impossible.

7. What are the most important works or the ones that have had the greatest impact on you from the entire collection?

There are two works that I cherish a lot. One is titled "The Portal Architect" by David Altmejd and the other is titled "Direct Lines" by Rebecca Ackroyd. When I first encountered David's work, I found it incredibly strange and unsettling, but it kept haunting me, refusing to leave my mind. It took quite a long time for my initial discomfort to turn into admiration, but this piece sparked a shift in perspective for me. Upon encountering Rebecca's work, I immediately knew it would be placed next to David’s work in my collection. Both artists delve into themes of time and evoke a sense of the grotesque, yet they each evoke powerful emotions. I believe exceptional artworks convey strong messages, whether they are positive or negative. In a sense, the spectrum of my collection broadened thanks to David and Rebecca’s work.

8. What is your main motivation when buying an artwork? Do you think it is only sentimental or is there also a rational part?

When choosing or collecting an artwork, the most important thing to me is enjoyment. Whether it's aesthetically pleasing or even repulsive, finding pieces that evoke amusement is key. Additionally, I appreciate wit in artworks. I also consider the potential for an artist's growth. When looking through my collection, some may question the long-term value of certain pieces, but there are no guarantees in the art world. I collect what I love.

When choosing or collecting an artwork, the most important thing to me is enjoyment. Whether it's aesthetically pleasing or even repulsive, finding pieces that evoke amusement is key [...]. When looking through my collection, some may question the long-term value of certain pieces, but there are no guarantees in the art world. I collect what I love.