The fashion entrepreneur Heejae Kang takes a distinctly personal approach to collecting art, trusting in her instincts and focusing on “the emotional and inspirational connections” she feels with each piece. It’s a strategy that has served her well as founder and CEO of Uptown Girl, an online shopping platform she launched in 2004 that has become synonymous with her lifestyle—she still models most of the looks herself, using photos from her daily life as product images for nearly all of the clothing.
Her innate aesthetic sensibility is reflected in the artworks she collects. She has a strong preference for paintings that are rendered in vibrant colours and imbued with “dynamic expression and emotional depth”, which are proudly hung throughout her Seoul home. On the horizon for Kang is a transition she hopes to make from buyer to seller; she intends to open her own gallery sometime “within the next decade” and parlay her fashion world influence into art world cachet.
The Art Newspaper: What first turned you on to art?
Heejae Kang: About 20 years ago, I was captivated by a print that I saw hanging in a hotel gallery in Japan. It was created using traditional Japanese painting techniques, and depicted an old book and a cat. I still own the artwork, but to be honest, it’s not something I would purchase now—I believe that this is a common experience with first acquisitions.
What was the last work that you bought?
I recently acquired a balloon piece titled Two hundred and fifty three degrees below every kind of zero (2023) by Ryan Gander. He holds a special place for me as he is the artist who introduced me to conceptual art. However, purchasing a plain black balloon at a price in the mid-five figures required a lot of deliberation, as you can imagine.
What do you regret not buying when you had the chance?
I’ll never forget missing out on a drawing I saw by Louise Bourgeois at Art Basel Hong Kong due to momentary hesitation. Bourgeois’s ability to eloquently express the pain of being a woman through her powerful and sensual drawings deeply resonates with me. Sadly, I missed the opportunity by just a few minutes.
How has your taste in art evolved since you started collecting, and how would you characterise your collecting strategy today?
When I am choosing pieces, the most important factor that I take into consideration is whether they bring me joy or not. I try not to be biased by the artist’s fame or an artwork’s investment potential. One piece that embodies my current collecting philosophy is Untitled (Plush) (2006) by Todd Norsten. While it may not hold a deep or symbolic meaning, I am drawn to its contrasting themes and soothing colour combinations, which give me a sense of comfort.
If you could own one work from any museum in the world, what would it be?
I would love to own a Christopher Wool from MoMA’s collection, especially the one that says: CATS IN BAG, BAGS IN RIVER [a 1991 work]. As someone deeply interested in fonts and text, I find Wool’s ability to deconstruct phrases and create a striking balance through his sophisticated sense of design truly captivating.
Kang recommends Hue135, a dry-aged steakhouse in Seoul, as a good spot for Korean cuisine
Courtesy of Hue135
What are some of your top spots for food and drink in Seoul?
When in Seoul, I enjoy going out in Itaewon and Hannam-dong. For Korean cuisine I recommend Danbi and Hue135 [pictured left], and for Western food I think Atta and Logi are great options. My favourite wine bar is Big Lights, although if you want to spot K-pop stars, SX is the best nightlife spot at the moment.
Where do you go in Seoul when you’re in need of retail therapy?
Seongsu-dong is one of the most vibrant and vital neighbourhoods in the Korean fashion scene. It has a dynamic vibe thanks to its unique retail spaces, which blend seamlessly with its industrial-chic aesthetic. Some notable shopping spots include Beaker Seongsu and Musinsa. Kith also recently opened a store here, which has a restaurant with an excellent brunch menu.
What tip would you give to someone who is visiting Seoul for the first time?
Seoul is a city that never sleeps, so make sure to come with plenty of energy and in good condition to fully enjoy this exciting city.