Art Basel debuts first hybrid show in Hong Kong, with enthusiastic on-site and digital participation resulting in vigorous sales.
The highly anticipated 9th edition of Art Basel Hong Kong closed on Sunday, May 23, 2021, amid reports of consistently strong sales across all sectors and market segments, both to collectors present in the halls and those connecting with galleries digitally. Running in parallel to the physical show, ‘Art Basel Live: Hong Kong’, brought the experience of the fair to audiences around the world through a rich digital program featuring Online Viewing Rooms, public and VIP walkthroughs live-streamed from the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, as well as daily broadcasts and virtual experiences.
The fair’s many virtual walk-throughs were attended by private collectors from over 30 countries and territories, notably Mainland China, South Korea, Taiwan, the United States and Sub-Saharan Africa as well as representatives from leading international museums and institutions, including the Museum MACAN, Jakarta, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, Galleria d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea di Bergamo (GAMeC), Bergamo and the Belvedere, Vienna. Patrons from all major Hong Kong institutions participated in the onsite program, including M+, Para Site, Asia Society, 1a Space, Asia Art Archive, Hong Kong Art Centre and Hong Kong Museum of Art.
The 2021 edition of the fair featured a strong line-up of 104 galleries from across Hong Kong and overseas, many of whom opted to participate with a satellite booth, a new concept introduced to support gallerists whose physical attendance in Hong Kong was not possible due to current regulations. Exhibitors amplified their on-site participations with complementary presentations in the Online Viewing Rooms, connecting with patrons and audiences worldwide.
Adeline Ooi, Director Asia, Art Basel, commented: ‘It has been truly moving to return to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center after what has been an extraordinary and challenging year. I am proud and honored that Art Basel has continued to fulfill its role as the leading international art platform in Asia, rising to the current challenges with new models and approaches. We are deeply grateful to our participating galleries for their commitment to our show here in Hong Kong this year, and the city’s institutions and non-profits for offering their full support by putting together a range of programs and events alongside Art Basel Hong Kong.’
Marc Spiegler, Global Director, Art Basel said: ‘The past year has brought forth the art world’s astonishing resilience and capacity for innovation and experimentation, and this year’s edition of Art Basel Hong Kong is a real testament to that. We are delighted to have been able to share the excitement and vibrancy in the exhibition halls with our audiences around the world through our digital initiative Art Basel Live: Hong Kong, which is part of our long-term commitment to developing the fairs of the future. And we look forward to reuniting physically next year in Hong Kong.’
British artist Michael Craig-Martin discusses color, perception, and his artistic journey, with curator Melissa Lee.
Sir Michael Craig-Martin (born 28 August 1941) is an Irish-born contemporary conceptual artist and painter. He is known for fostering and adopting the Young British Artists, many of whom he taught, and for his conceptual artwork, An Oak Tree. He is Emeritus Professor of Fine Art at Goldsmiths. His memoir and advice for the aspiring artist, On Being An Artist, was published by London-based publisher Art / Books in April 2015.
