ART BASEL Hong Kong

SO!

In two days time I should be in Hong Kong to participate in the newest and very exciting Art Basel show. Instead, I am sitting at home writing my dissertation. Oh well...

"Art Basel stages the world's premier Modern and contemporary art shows, held annually in Basel, Miami Beach, and Hong Kong. Founded by gallerists in 1970, Art Basel has been a driving force in supporting the role that galleries play in the nurturing of artists, and the development and promotion of visual arts. In 1970, a few Basel gallerists put their passion and determination behind an ambitious vision, and now, over forty years later, Art Basel is recognized as the premier international art show, providing a platform for artists and gallerists from around the world. " (Art Basel)

ART BASEL HISTORY TIMELINE

Why Hong Kong?

Hong Kong Art Basel, which begins Wednesday at the city's harbor front convention center, will this year bring together 245 participating galleries—half coming from Asia and Asia-Pacific.

"One of the biggest contributions that we're able to make is to raise the profile of Hong Kong above and beyond being a centre for finance and retail," Art Basel director for Asia Magnus Renfrew told AFP. "Because we are an event of this scale, we've really been able to help generate discussion around art in the city," he said, adding that he sees "huge" growth potential in the Asian art scene. 

"The art market tends to follow the money and the greatest creation of wealth at the moment is in Asia," Renfrew said. (GmaNews)

Kaputt, Maurizio Cattelan

" With half of the participating galleries coming from Asia and Asia-Pacific, Art Basel in Hong Kong assumes a significant role in the international artworld, providing a portal to the region's artists. The new show gives galleries from around the world a platform in Asia to demonstrate the way they work with artists, and bring their highest quality work to Hong Kong." (Art Basel Hong Kong) 

If you plan to visit this years show happening between May 15 -18, here is some information for visitors.

I am truly gutted that I had to cancel my trip overseas but will make sure to visit one of Art Basel shows in the near future.

Yayoi Kusama

NOW, back to my dissertation!