Take a tour of the show floor with Amy Lo, Head and Chief Executive of UBS Hong Kong, and Angelle Siyang-Le. Director of Art Basel Hong Kong.
With all travel restrictions lifted, Hong Kong welcomed visitors from near and far to explore world-class arts and culture. Art Basel Hong Kong returned with its largest edition since 2019, featuring 177 of the world’s leading galleries and all special sectors. From dramatic large-scale sculptures and installations to the discovery of emerging artists, the Fair embodies the vibrancy and dynamism of Hong Kong’s thriving art scene. Here are some of the highlights…
Encounter art with purpose
Encounter art with purpose
Encounters, the Fair’s curated sector dedicated to large-scale works, returned for the first time since 2019. Curated by Alexie Glass-Kantor, 14 expansive installations were presented under the theme of ‘This present, moment’.
Highlight artworks include Jaffa Lam’s 'Trolley Party' (2023), featuring a 14-meter-patchwork made of recycled umbrella fabric, sewn together with the support of female workers from the Hong Kong Women Workers’ Association. Described by the artist as “an oasis in the art fair”, visitors could relax and rewind in the four “Meditation Tents” hanging from the ceiling, ideal for taking a breather from the hustle and bustle of the Fair.
Mella Jaarsma’s 'The Constructor' (2008, 2020) focused on the continual development of the built environment. Rapidly expanding cities add to the environmental burden, but at the same time offer us endless design and material variations. The artist uses bamboo in this Encounters artwork, which contemplates the trend for rapid infrastructural expansion.
Beyond the show floor
Broadening access to art for everyone, a major new video work 'Hand Me Your Trust' by acclaimed Swiss artist Pipilotti Rist will alight illuminated the M+ Facade. Celebrating the hands that built Hong Kong and the world beyond, the vibrant public work of art features hands of all shapes, colors and sizes, highlighting the power of the human touch. Commissioned by M+ and supported by Art Basel and UBS, catch the moving image work nightly through June 17, 2023.
UBS is proud Global Lead Partner of Art Basel.
