Art Basel Hong Kong, under the leadership of Director Angelle Siyang-Le, celebrated a triumphant return to full-scale operations this year, marking its second edition post-pandemic. Despite facing challenges due to the lingering effects of the global health crisis, the prestigious art fair exceeded expectations in terms of attendance, diversity, and integration with the vibrant cultural landscape of the city.
Running from Thursday to Saturday, Art Basel Hong Kong attracted over 75,000 visitors from across the globe during both its VIP and public days. This year’s event boasted the participation of 242 galleries, a notable increase from the 177 galleries that took part in the previous edition. While these figures fell short of the record attendance seen in 2023, Director Siyang-Le emphasized that the quality of presentations and the event’s integration with the city surpassed any previous iteration.
In an interview with The Korea Herald, Director Siyang-Le expressed gratitude for the consistently high calibre of presentations at the fair. She noted that the dedication of galleries combined with the increasing sophistication of the audience has solidified Hong Kong’s reputation as a cultural hub in the eyes of artists and art enthusiasts alike.
Moreover, Art Basel Hong Kong expanded its reach beyond the confines of the exhibition venue by collaborating with other cultural organizations city-wide. The event coincided with Hong Kong’s Art Week and partnered with esteemed institutions such as M+ and Tai Kwun. Notably, M+ showcased Yang Fudong’s latest film, “Sparrow on the Sea,” on its facade, enriching the city’s cultural landscape and engaging with a broader audience.
Director Siyang-Le emphasized the importance of engaging with the general public, highlighting the success of M+ in attracting over 2 million visitors in its first full year despite stringent COVID-19 measures. She pointed out that the launch of Frieze Seoul in 2022 demonstrates the growing global interest in Asian art and provides a platform for Korean artists to shine on the international stage.
Reflecting on the sales at Art Basel Hong Kong 2024, significant transactions were reported across various galleries. Seoul-based Kukje Gallery notably sold Yang Hae-gue’s “Sonic Cosmic Rope – Gold Dodecagon Straight Weave (2022)” for a price ranging between 70,000 to 84,000 euros. Additionally, the late Park Seo-Bo’s “Ecriture No. 040424, 2004” fetched a price tag between $540,000 and $648,000, indicating the strong market demand for contemporary Asian art.
As Art Basel Hong Kong concludes another successful edition, it reaffirms its position as a leading platform for showcasing the best of contemporary art from Asia and beyond. With a commitment to excellence and a dedication to fostering cultural exchange, the fair continues to shape the landscape of the global art market while celebrating the rich diversity of artistic expression.