Art Basel is back – and it’s bigger than ever. With over 248 galleries from 32 different countries participating, the world’s largest international art fair is a must-see for art aficionados and first-timers alike.
Art Basel was founded in the 1970s by Basel gallerists Ernst Beyeler, Trudi Bruckner and Balz Hilt, who always had the shared goal of creating an international art fair that showcased talents from around the world. Decade after decade, their initiative has flourished as a platform inspiring artistic growth whilst promoting artists from all around the world via their fairs in their hometown, Miami and, since 2013, Hong Kong. This year, the art fair is back with monumental plans to exhibit a new collage of artwork that is not limited to canvases. From live installations, sculpture and prints, to arthouse films and performances, the international juggernaut is bringing a whole new roster of artists, galleries and creatives to showcase their work in Hong Kong.
Many emerging artists and galleries from Asia are able to reach a wider audience through this year’s exhibition at Art Basel. Amongst its visitors are art collectors and dealers, as well as plenty of media and general visitors who all flock to it to see everything from the most significant pieces in the world on sale to emerging artists being championed by smaller galleries. And alongside the main event, countless other galleries, parties, shows and more are on show across the city. To get you in the mood for Hong Kong’s week of art madness, we’ve highlighted the happenings on our radar. For a good mixture of culture and fun, check it out.
Art Basel
The granddaddy of art shows, Art Basel, opens on 29 March, the weekend of Easter this year. With over 248 premier galleries from 32 different countries and territories, the world’s largest international art fair boasts a new range of contemporary artworks from both established and emerging artists.
Date: 29 – 31 March
Location: Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai Hong Kong.
Price: From HKD$200 – $900
www.artbasel.com
Art Central
Featuring over 100 leading international galleries, 75% of which hail from the Asia Pacific, Art Central will make a triumphant return to Hong Kong’s Central Harbourfront for its highly anticipated fourth edition. The fair showcases progressive art which challenges boundaries and brings young and dynamic talent to the forefront.
Date: 7 March – 01 April
Location: Central Harbourfront, Hong Kong
Price: From HK$170 – 370
http://artcentralhongkong.com/
Asia Society presents LOVE Long: Robert Indiana and Asia
Non-profit organisation, Asia Society, is hosting LOVE Long, an exhibition examining the power of language and its tenuous connection to images, and featuring some of the most memorable works by the legendary American artist Robert Indiana (b.1928) alongside works by: Kutluğ Ataman, Candy Factory, Young-Hae Chang Heavy Industries, Chim↑Pom, He An, Hung Keung, Charwei Tsai, and Xu Bing.
Date: 07 Feb – 15 Jul
Location: 9 Justice Drive, Admiralty, Hong Kong
Price: Free
https://asiasociety.org/hong-kong/exhibitions/love-long-robert-indiana-and-asia
Charbon Art Space presents Antoine d’Agata: Contamination
Tucked away in an industrial building in Aberdeen is Charbon. The converted 1,700 sq ft factory space is a multipurpose art space and will play host to acclaimed French photographer and member of the Magnum agency, Antoine d’Agata. Curated by art collector Lalie Choffel from CHARBON, Contamination pays tribute to 30 years of unique and radical works by the celebrated d’Agata.
Date: 29 Mar – 25 May
Location: 8/F Sing Tek Factory, 44 Wong Chuk Hang street, Aberdeen
Price: Free
https://www.charbonartspace.com/
Pacific Place presents Spiral Scratch by Jim Lambie
Adding more public art into Hong Kong’s concrete jungly is Turner Prize-nominated artist, Jim Lambie. For the first time, his work is presented in Asia. Don’t miss the artist as he takes over Pacific Place with his largest floor installation to date, Spiral Scratches.
Date: 19 March – 8 April
Location: Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong
Price: Free
http://www.pacificplace.com.hk/en/happenings/Spiral_Scratch.aspx
H Queen’s
With aims of promoting the arts and expanding the audience for art, H Queen has been called a “game changer” for the city’s creative scene. Home to some of the world’s most important international galleries including Gagosian and David Zwirner as well as restaurants and a handful of boutiques, don’t miss out some of the hottest happenings in town during art month.
Date: All year
Location: 80 Queen’s Road Central, Central
Price: Free
http://www.hqueens.com.hk/
Para Site presents a beast , a god and a line
After making its debut at Dhaka Art Summit in in Dhaka, Bangladesh, a beast , a god and a line makes its way to Hong Kong at the leading independent contemporary art centre, Para Site.
Curated by Cosmin Costinas, the show contains work by 55 artists from Southeast Asia. This exhibition delves into subjects like migration, decolonisation, the decline of liberal democracy and the decentralisation of culture.
Date: March 17 – May 20
Location: 22/F, Wing Wah Industrial Building, 677 King’s Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
Price: Free
http://www.para-site.org.hk/
