Hong Kong’s vibrant art scene came alive during Art Basel Hong Kong, with numerous events and exhibitions showcasing the work of local and international artists.
The city’s vibrant art scene came alive during Art Basel Hong Kong, with numerous events and exhibitions showcasing the work of local and international artists.
Art Basel Hong Kong is a leading international art fair that brings together galleries, artists, and collectors from around the world.
Held annually in March at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the event showcases an impressive selection of modern and contemporary art.
The fair features over 230 leading galleries from Asia and beyond, presenting a diverse range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, installations, and photography.
Art Basel Hong Kong is a significant platform for artists to gain international recognition and for collectors to discover new talent.
A New Era for Supper Club
Supper Club, a hybrid art event that blurs the line between opening and partying, has swiftly evolved into a full-fledged fair. With an open-plan layout across two floors, it offers a refreshing contrast to traditional booth models, encouraging fluid interaction among exhibitors and visitors.
A supper club is a type of private dining experience where guests gather for an exclusive meal.
This concept originated in the United States in the early 20th century, particularly in cities like New York and Chicago.
Supper clubs often feature live music, entertainment, and fine dining in an intimate setting.
They typically require reservations and may have dress codes or specific themes.
Supper clubs offer a unique experience for those seeking a luxurious and memorable evening out.
The success of this open format hinges on thoughtful curation, which was delivered in 2025. The curatorial team carefully selected galleries and artists that resonated with each other in an organic way. Exhibitors included the Seoul-based experimental gallery Cylinder, presenting a tightly curated one-wall display featuring small and medium-sized paintings by Sunwon Chang, Minseo Kang, Minhee Kim, Seo Hyun Kim, and Byeori Yang.
Throughout history, artists have played a vital role in shaping cultures and societies.
From ancient civilizations to modern times, artists have expressed themselves through various mediums such as painting, sculpture, music, and dance.
According to UNESCO, there are over 250 million artists worldwide, with the majority being self-taught.
The global art market has grown significantly, with an estimated value of $67 billion in 2020.
'Artists continue to push boundaries, experimenting with new techniques and mediums, making their mark on the world.'
Paris-based gallery Sultana presented works by Justin Fitzpatrick and Jean Claracq, marking the first time Claracq’s Monumenta series has been shown in Asia. Despite high interest, negotiations were unfolding slowly, with prices all under $10,000.
Supper Club’s opening party was packed, despite competing calendar events, including the highly anticipated White Cube party at Soho House.
Art Central: A Growing Fixture
Art Central, which runs concurrently with Art Basel Hong Kong, attracted a stronger roster of galleries this year. Dealers from the region and Middle East joined the lineup, adding new depth to the fair’s characteristically pop-forward aesthetic.
Cub_ism Artspace from Shanghai presented a solo booth of paintings by emerging Chinese artist Zheng Lanxiong, whose work explores the emotional bond between the individual and image.
Current Plans: A Platform for Creative Experimentation
Current Plans is an experimental space that staged a packed program of performances, D.J. sets, exhibitions, and activations. Housed in a large industrial space on the rapidly transforming South Side, it has emerged as a platform dedicated to fostering creative experimentation across disciplines.
The underground programming curated by Current Plans brought together a visionary, intergenerational group of artists and musicians from Hong Kong, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and neighboring countries.
A New Publication: Cong
A new neon-green publication quietly made its debut during art week. Co-produced with Asia Pacific and edited by Benjamin Cha and Tobias Berger, Cong is an exclusive annual journal that promises to investigate and expose the most compelling creative expressions emerging from Hong Kong and the broader Asia Pacific region.
The Intersection of Music and Art
Current Plans continued the week’s deep engagement with the intersection of music and art. A sonic exploration by artists-in-residence Ye Hui (Vienna/GZ) and Wahono (Jakarta) took place on Wednesday, followed by a hybrid rave/experimental performance curated by Panic Library and Seoul’s Cake Shop.
A Community Fostering Creative Energy
Against expectations and despite ongoing pressures, Hong Kong’s art scene was on full display during Art Basel 2025. Current Plans has established a rare platform where artists, creatives, and musicians gather, exchange ideas, and confront shared concerns.
