The art extravaganza Art Basel, which leads Hong Kong Arts Month, officially kicked off recently. This year, the event has returned to its two-tier exhibition halls, attracting art enthusiasts and artists from around the world!
This year’s exhibition brings together 177 top international galleries, presenting a diverse range of artworks across various mediums. From oil paintings, sculptures, photography, to digital works created by modern art masters and contemporary artists, there is something for everyone! Here are some highlights of what to expect at this year’s exhibition.
Must-see highlight one: Rabbit Sculpture: “Vector”
“Vector,” created by David Altmejd, is a sculpture of a figure with wild rabbit ears on top of its head, sitting in a yoga pose with bent knees. Its giant ears extend into the sky, and the entrance in front, leading to a wild rabbit’s burrow, seems to have been excavated from the materials used to create this figure. This absurd scene evokes the transformation between humans and animals, the tangible and the unreal, decay and regeneration.
Must-see Highlight 2: Masked Doll Sculpture: “Silent Solitude”
Gimhongsok The sculpture of masked figures in the artwork “Silent Solitude” (2017 to 2019) represents the main labor force that makes up the modern city. The artwork consists of seven humanoid figures wearing animal masks, symbolizing people of different ages and professions in modern society, revealing the ambiguity of labor value. Exhibited by Kukje Gallery.
Must-see Highlight 3: MR.DOODLE Colorful Room (Booth: 1D07)
In the immersive space filled with Mr Doodle’s iconic patterns, viewers will be surrounded by the artist’s dense characters and doodles. It is worth mentioning that the artist’s works before marriage were only in black and white, but after marriage, he started adding colors to his works, allowing people to feel the love, joy, and happiness he brings through his creations.
Must-see Highlight Four: “Journey to a Different Realm” at the Dianya Art Expo Pavilion
Art Basel continues to have Fine Art Asia participating this year, showcasing antiques and rare artworks from renowned galleries in Asia, Europe, and the United States! This year, Fine Art Asia brings a group exhibition called “Journey to the Otherworld,” combining traditional and modern display methods to create three exhibition areas – “Gateway to the Otherworld,” “Exotic Landscapes,” and “Same Object, Different Scenery” – taking the audience on a journey to explore a fantastical world of imagination! It’s quite interesting to see historical antiques transformed into lively AI images.
In addition, Hong Kong animation artist Zhang Xiaota, inspired by ancient culture, has created a series of animations and physical works that echo the antiques and artworks showcased in this exhibition, undoubtedly breaking everyone’s imagination of antique art.
Must-See Highlight 5: Lin Lan’s Site-Specific Work “Cart Party” (2023)
This is a 14-meter-long mosaic artwork made from recycled and everyday visible old fabrics, extending from chairs made up of six industrial hand carts. The inspiration for the artwork comes from Lin Lan’s childhood memories of female workers, and it also invites viewers to enter the serene interior of the artwork. Presented jointly by Wewood Gallery and Zilberman Gallery.
Must-See Highlight 6: Mika Ninagawa X Shangri-La Immersive Art Experience
The art installation “Butterflies’ Seasons,” created by renowned Japanese photographer and film director Mika Ninagawa and Shangri-La, takes viewers on a journey through the seasons from the perspective of colorful butterflies. The design combines vibrant colors and blooming floral elements, symbolizing endless vitality and leading the audience through dreams and reality. In addition to the art installation, there are interactive installations that integrate visuals, lighting, sound, and multimedia, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in her “flower world.”
Location: 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, Art Basel 3/F
Must-See Highlights Seven: Liu Xiangcheng’s Photography Works
Liu Xiangcheng, taken in Beijing in 1979, when the “Star Painting Society” Wang Keping marched to demand artistic freedom from the government at that time.
Further reading:
- In addition to the large art fair, there are also these exciting exhibitions in the city’s galleries that should not be missed!
- Art Central 2023 焦點裝置項目精選！焦炭懸浮迷宮、大型織物裝置、流線型紙雕塑
- 香港藝術月 2023 ：Art Basel 恢復兩層展廳、街頭藝術盛典、大師級專題特展，9 個三月必訪藝術盛事！
Other selected exhibition galleries:
Selected Gallery 1: Li Wei Pavilion (1C13 booth)
The presentation of the Li Wei Ge booth spans genres, regions, and generations, featuring works by Marina Adams, Beeple, Ding Yi, Yayoi Kusama, Liu Jianwen, George Mathew, Pablo Picasso, Gerhard Richter, Peter Saul, Piero Sraja, Tang Yongxiang, Andy Warhol, Jonas Wood, Zhang Enli, and Zhang Zipiao.
Selected Gallery 2: Pace Gallery (Booth 1D14)
In addition to showcasing many internationally renowned artists, the gallery also focuses on the works of several well-known Asian artists, including Song Dong, Qiu Xiaofei, Yin Xiuzhen, Zhang Xiaogang from China; Yoshitomo Nara from Japan; and Lee Jeong-yong, Lee Yu-hwan from Korea, as well as the newly represented artist Liu Yongguo in Budapest.
Selected Gallery 3: LIMU Gallery (Booth 1C16)
LIMK Gallery returns to the Basel Art Fair Hong Kong Exhibition with a series of new and classic artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media works, showcasing LIMK Gallery’s commitment to organizing diverse global exhibition events.
Selected Gallery Four: Ora-Ora (Booth 1C16)
The exhibiting artists at Ora-Ora are Zheng Halei, Zhang Canyi, Zhu Lixing, Peng Jian, Juri Markkula, Sanzawa Mai, Stephen Thorpe, Tang Ziliang, Lu Xu, and Zhang Yanzi. The exhibition theme “The Benefits of Familiarity” reminds viewers to reflect on themselves and become aware of their shortcomings and deficiencies through moderate introspection.
Selected Gallery Five: Gao Gu Xuan (Booth 1C14)
The gallery’s featured work this time includes an untitled painting created by Zeng Fanzhi in 2021. He transforms the rough texture of tree trunks into a dynamic abstract composition, interpreting the themes of growth and perseverance, reflecting the artist’s reimagining of natural forms and power.
Open to the Public
2:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, March 23, 2023
2:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, March 24, 2023
12:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Saturday, March 25, 2023
Location: 1st and 3rd floor exhibition halls, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Learn more: Art Basel
