by Inez Chan
In 2023, the art world was gradually returning to pre-pandemic normalcy and in 2024, Art Basel Hong Kong also saw a return to its pre-pandemic glory. This year, competition is expected to be fiercer than ever. Several new art fairs have emerged in Asia within the past few years: Frieze Seoul launched in 2022, followed by ART SG in Singapore, and finally the long-awaited debut of ART021 in Hong Kong last year. This remarkable resurgence in Asia stands in stark contrast to the more established art markets of Europe and the U.S.
Experimental Innovation
Art Basel Hong Kong is continuously increasing the proportion of local galleries participating in the fair. In 2024, there were a total of 26 and the number is expanding to 32 this year, with several emerging galleries participating for the very first time, such as Property Holdings Development Group (PHD Group) founded in 2021. Along with Alex Chan of THE SHOPHOUSE, PHD Group founders Willem Molesworth and Ysabelle Cheung launched an alternative art fair called “Supper Club” with the hopes of redefining the relationship between art sales and social experiences in a consumer-driven culture
Established in 2022, SC Gallery is also amongst Art Basel Hong Kong 2025’s first-time exhibitors. They are presenting Chow Chun-Fai’s research project “Interview the Interviewer II”, showcasing approximately 25 artworks of varying sizes. In this solo exhibition, Chow delves into the personal story of SC Gallery founder Sharon Cheung. Nodding to her past as a former journalist, Chow experiments with old news material as part of a multifaceted investigation into social narratives and personal histories that comments on global socio-political changes from a Hong Kong perspective. Additionally, Contemporary by Angela Li will have a booth showing Hong Kong artist Kurt Chan’s latest works exploring the fundamental elements of Chinese landscape paintings—rocks, trees and water—through a scientific lens.
In recent years, Art Basel has been actively promoting the fair beyond its venue to enhance public engagement. This year, in addition to the Film program, they continue their partnership with M+ for a co-commissioned work by Singaporean contemporary artist, Ho Tzu Nyuen. Set to be projected onto the M+ facade, Ho’s work is an animation piece titled “Night Charades” that reinterprets iconic scenes from Hong Kong films.
Art Basel Hong Kong 2025
When: March 28 to 30
Where: Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai