Art Basel Hong Kong shares ambitious highlights

Art Basel Hong Kong return bigger and better than ever in 2024. David Ho takes a look at what’s new

Running from March 28 to 30 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Art Basel Hong Kong’s 2024 edition will feature 243 leading galleries from 40 countries, bringing 66 more exhibitors than last year.

Show sectors like Encounters and Kabinett will be expanded. Focused on large-scale projects, the Encounters sector will now have 16 artworks, 11 of which were made especially for the fair. Part of it is an off-site installation by Australian artist Daniel Boyd at Pacific Place.

Meanwhile, the Kabinett sector that curates thematic presentations within participating galleries’
booths will now comprise 33 projects. This marks the highest number in the fair’s history and will have a
strong emphasis on historical and contemporary solo presentations from Asia.

Also see: Artist Sam Lo on birds, pride and making art for the people

The event also aims to engage its host city and region with strong dialogue on art. The Conversations and Film programs are free to the public and both be held in a dedicated auditorium at the HKCEC. The Conversations sector will also be held in mainland China, with off-site events in Shanghai and Guangzhou starting in January. A Conversation event hosted in Hong Kong by Asia Art Archive on February 29 will bring together emerging artists and curators to discuss their efforts to create alternative sites such as Tomorrow Maybe and New Park, as well as structures that foster art in Hong Kong.

Furthermore, a site-specific ‘architectural film’ by artist and filmmaker Yang Fudong will be featured on the M+ Facade from March 22 to be enjoyed by visitors and locals alike.

The arrival Art Basel Hong Kong usually kicks off a myriad of art events and this year is no different. There will be “multifaceted and stimulating” programming and exhibitions presented by the city’s leading museums and cultural institutions during its run. We expect plenty more to be announced closer to the date.

Visit the official site for more details on each sector and shows to be held in tandem with Art Basel Hong Kong.

Also see: Christie’s Asia autumn 2023 auctions exceed HK$3B (US$389M) in sales