A slew of European and Latin American diplomatic missions in Seoul are participating, with organizer Gallery Bellarte, in the Ibero-American Art Fair Seoul 2012 at Hangaram Art Museum in Seoul Arts Center in southern Seoul from Nov. 15 to 19.

Gallery Bellarte brought hundreds of artworks by more than 50 artists, including pieces by art world heavyweights Wifredo Lam of Cuba, Oswaldo Guayasamin of Ecuador and Carlos Cruz-Diez and Jesus Rafael Soto of Venezuela.

Gallery Bellarte created the Ibero-American Art Fair to disseminate art and culture from the Iberian region of southern Europe and Latin America throughout Korea, according to the gallery’s website.

For many of the Latin American envoys in Korea, art is a potent vehicle to increase awareness of their respective nations among the local public and to enhance bilateral relations.

“Art is the beauty that joins people,” Venezuelan Charge d’Affaires Yadira Hidalgo de Ortiz said.

“Events like these are important because they link countries together by promoting their culture, and in this way promote relationships between people as well,” said Argentine Ambassador to Korea Carlos Alberto Arganaraz.

Young artists still making a name for themselves are participating in the fair as well.

For Cristina Nunez, an artist from Venezuela, East Asia in general and Korea in particular are both a source of artistic inspiration and a place to work.

Nunez has traveled between her hometown of Caracas and Seoul, and even once participated in a residency program here. She has a studio in Seongbuk-dong neighborhood, northern Seoul.

“It sounds strange to Koreans when I say Seoul is a peaceful place but, for me, it is a great place for artists,” she said. “Materials are relatively affordable and it is easy to get around.”

“This event is a good opportunity to show the Korean public examples of very nice art from Paraguay,” said Paraguayan Ambassador to Korea Ceferino Valdez. “This event is also a part of ongoing celebrations of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.”

Local collectors, Latin American art enthusiasts and curious art lovers of all creeds are expected to converge on the Hangaram Art Museum to see the collection of paintings from both exciting new painters like Nunez alongside more familiar names in the art world like Hernan Miranda of Paraguay, Fernando Botero of Colombia and Jonidel Mendoza of Venezuela, the organizers said.

By Philip Iglauer (ephilip2011@heraldcorp.com)