Creative Juxtaposition

WITH FINE ART ASIA ABOUT TO OPEN ITS TENTH FAIR, Christopher Dewolf TRAWLS THE VAST ARRAY OF ART AND ANTIQUES ON OFFER FOR THE TOP 10 COLLECTIBLES

In a city crowded with art fairs large and small, Fine Art Asia distinguishes itself with the charming quality of surprise. Its 100-odd international galleries are an eclectic bunch, showcasing everything from Impressionist art to Jazz Age antiques. A booth hawking mid-century modernist paintings might find itself next to one selling vintage Chinese snuff boxes. But when you meet the fair’s co-chairmen and directors, Andy Hei and Calvin Hui, the diversity makes sense. “We always say we are the perfect duo—east and West, new and old,” says Hui. “We have a lot of chemistry.”

With Hui’s background in art and Hei’s expertise in antiques, not to mention Hui’s knowledge of European art movements and Hei’s affinity for Asian craft, it’s easy to see how Fine Art Asia has become one of the most popular events on Hong Kong’s cultural calendar. This year’s fair, its 10th edition, will be no exception. With an anticipated 35,000 visitors and a collection that spans everything from 11th-century Tibetan Buddhist paintings to art nouveau silverware, there will be plenty to capture the imagination of casual admirers and collectors alike.

“The Hong Kong market is one of the most sophisticated in the world,” says US dealer Simon Teakle, director of Simon Teakle Fine Jewellery in Greenwich, Connecticut. To win over such a discerning public, galleries are bringing their best and brightest to Fine Art Asia, which runs from October 4 to 7 at the Convention and Exhibition Centre. Here are 10 of the best.