JETSETREPORT

An earlier, bigger Art Basel Hong Kong

March 13, 2015 09.16 AM

From March 15 to 17th, Art Basel arrives early in Hong Kong for what’s become the largest art-fair in Asia with satellite shows that include Art Central and the Asia Contemporary Art Show for 2015. The first year the Hong Kong art fair will be held in March, organizers are rumored to have moved the event up from May when competition includes Frieze NY, Venice Biennale and Berlin’s Gallery Weekend. Long a staple for the high-end auction market, Hong Kong has emerged in recent years as the hub of an exploding Asian art-fair market and entry point for Chinese buyers and artists alike. 

Over the next week, Hong Kong’s skyline will be transformed as the ICC Building, the city’s tallest, is illuminated by artist Cao Fei with "Same Old, Brand New" �" an LCD light and music installation that will be visible throughout the city with soundtrack downloadable on smartphones. At the actual fair, look for Zhang Jian-Jun at the Leo Gallery booth as well as Zao Wou-Ki’s at de Sarthe Gallery that will be highlights at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Outside of the fair, you’ll find exhibitions like “TWENTY” by Xu Zhen at arty commune PMQ, Alex Prager at Lehmann Maupin, Ann Veronica Janssens at Axel Vervoordt Gallery, Rudolf Stingel at Gagosian Gallery and Chinese artist Zao Wou-Ki at de Sarthe Gallery - with most shows lingering well past Art Basel. 

Around town you’ll find a city ignited in Art Basel wonderment. At Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong you’ll find 3-star Michelin chef Pierre Gagnaire personally curating a seven-course dinner menu at Pierre inspired by works from the UBS Art Collection that includes Cy Twombly, and Sigmar Polke. 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana will be the truffle pasta to beat �" especially after moving up to #8 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants for 2015. Sevva is always a scene, but especially during Art Basel with its in-house art collection dotted with Vik Muiz, photographer Candida Hoffer and Ivan Navarro. And afterwards, stakeout parties like Saturday’s Art Basel Vernissage kick-off to nightspots like Fly and Kee Club with arty installations and performances artists on hand for Art Basel week. 

Written by:

Michael Martin
Editorial Review Author
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