Sensory surprises
The city’s most important art fair is back again, with plenty of exciting innovations and revolutionary evolutions
ow in its third year, Art Basel in Hong Kong has become a household name even among those with just a passing interest in the arts. The fair draws in more than 170 galleries, showcasing the work of 3,000 artists from Asia and beyond in six sections, with mediums ranging from painting to sculpture to video. The Galleries section presents the majority of artworks, all from the 20th and 21st centuries and from the world’s leading art galleries; Insights introduces works from Asia and the Asia-pacific region created specifically for the fair; Discoveries showcases new works from international emerging artists; Encounters comprises large-scale installations and sculpture; Film is a series of screenings by and about artists; and Magazines is a collection of booths representing art publications from all over the world. Knowledgeable culture mavens such as collectors, academics and curators will also be giving talks and participating in panel discussions as part of the programming, expounding on topics ranging from Southeast Asian art to how best to archive one’s collection.
Visitors can expect to see exciting new directions this year following changes in the line-up of masterminds behind the event. Magnus Renfrew has stepped down as director, with Malaysian curator Adeline Ooi taking up his role; meanwhile, Alexie Glass-kantor, who directs various arts organisations and events in her native Australia, has been appointed to curate the fair’s Encounters section.
Turn to page 256 for our definitive 24-page guide to Art Basel in Hong Kong. March 15–17; Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre; artbasel.com