Art Basel Hong Kong, the prestigious art fair, is set to make its return to the global art calendar after a two-year hiatus caused by the pandemic. This year’s event, scheduled for 23rd to 25th March 2023, presents an opportunity for the fair to reset under the guidance of Art Basel’s new CEO, Noah Horowitz. The art world has witnessed significant investments in Hong Kong and Asia since 2020, which have reshaped the region’s position in the global art landscape.
One notable development is the opening of M+ Hong Kong, a contemporary art museum that adds to the cultural vibrancy of the city. Sotheby’s has also established a new 24,000 square-foot space on Queen’s Road Central, while Christie’s is preparing to launch its Asia Pacific headquarters, a massive 50,000 square-foot location called The Henderson, in 2024. These expansions and investments demonstrate the growing prominence of Hong Kong and Asia in the international art scene.
Meanwhile, the inaugural Frieze Seoul in 2022 sparked a surge of galleries setting up in the South Korean capital, reflecting the region’s thriving art market. Noteworthy expansions include the opening of Arario’s seven-storey mega-gallery. These developments highlight the increasing interest in capitalizing on the strength of Asia’s art market and the recognition of the region’s artistic talent.
Art Basel Hong Kong 2023 showcases a diverse lineup of participating galleries, with two-thirds of them based in Asia. The “Discoveries” sector shines a spotlight on emerging talent from the region, featuring artists such as Nova Jiang from Union Pacific and Kenneth Tam from Commonwealth and Council. The fair offers a platform for these artists to gain exposure and recognition on an international scale.
In anticipation of the event, Ocula Advisors have curated a selection of their top eight works to be showcased at Art Basel Hong Kong. One of the highlights is Michaël Borremans’ “The Gift” (2008) from Zeno X Gallery. Borremans’ captivating portraits, characterized by technical mastery and enigmatic subject matter, leave viewers in awe and bewilderment. The painting presents a figure with a ghostly, porcelain sheen and a missing limb, inviting interpretation and contemplation.
Nolan Simon’s “Trinacria” (2023) at Canal 47 captures a mundane yet intimate moment through almost photorealistic portraiture. The painting depicts three pairs of sock-clad feet, evoking a sense of community and anonymity simultaneously. Simon’s compositions often leave viewers with a sense of ambiguity, encouraging them to explore their own interpretations.
Danh Võ’s untitled sculpture (2021) at Galerie Chantal Crousel reflects his exploration of religion and personal experiences. Võ’s presentation features an alabaster relief of The Adoration of the Magi nativity scene within a wooden crate, drawing on his upbringing in a Catholic household and the rich iconographic imagery associated with it. Võ’s installations, including the recent Tropaeolum at the Bourse de Commerce in Paris, create immersive environments that engage with historical and cultural contexts.
Yu Youhan’s “Ah, Us! 12” (1998) at ShanghART explores cultural identity in contemporary China through expressive, earthy-toned portraits. Yu’s heavily layered brushstrokes and cool shades evoke the spirit of Expressionist portraits, presenting a critical perspective on societal and cultural issues. As a prominent figure in Chinese art, Yu’s works have been exhibited in major retrospectives across Asia.
Kati Heck’s “GUR” (2023) at Sadie Coles HQ showcases the artist’s sophisticated manipulation of oil paint, watercolor, and gouache. Heck’s compositions combine Old Master influences with surreal details, capturing moments of drama within seemingly mundane settings. The artist plays with light and shadow to create a sense of intrigue and curiosity.
Peter Saul’s “Bizarro Paints a Still Life” (1998) at Venus Over Manhattan presents the surreal world of the revered artist. Saul’s works are known for their vivid palette and amalgamation of disparate elements. In this particular painting, a table with a giant toothbrush, shoes resembling those of Bizarro, and other whimsical objects take center stage, inviting viewers into a bizarre and fantastical realm.
Ali Banisadr’s “Axe to the frozen sea within us” (2021) at Thaddaeus Ropac mesmerizes viewers with its turbulent and energetic brushwork. Banisadr, drawing inspiration from art history and personal experiences, creates semi-abstract, semi-figurative worlds that evoke a sense of motion and fluctuation. The monochromatic palette of this particular work adds a new dimension to his artistic exploration.
Lynne Mapp Drexler’s “Press” (1969) at Karma showcases the rediscovered talent of the late artist. Drexler’s remarkable paintings, often inspired by the natural world, have garnered renewed attention and appreciation. “Press” exemplifies her rich tones, layered depth, and abstract qualities that stir viewers’ subconscious and evoke memories.
Art Basel Hong Kong 2023 promises to be a captivating and diverse showcase of contemporary art from around the world, with a particular emphasis on the vibrant art scene in Asia. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore these exceptional works and engage with the dynamic artistic expressions on display.