Viva La Vida!

One could argue that Art Basel was what invigorated the art scene in Hong Kong when it first took place a decade ago. Finally, international art was being showcased in Hong Kong on a large scale. But what most not entrenched in the art world wouldn’t know, is that the city has long been a large player in the global art scene – in the form of trading and auctioning in the market.

One of the largest metropolitan cities in the world, naturally our art market revenue is up there with the big players. Behind only New York and London, the city has always attracted buyers and sellers because of our proximity to China while remaining a free, largely English-speaking economy.

So yes, Art Basel invigorated the art scene in Hong Kong in a way that opened it up from private auctions to the public eye – no longer was big money a requirement in appreciating art, all you needed was some free time. As art became more public in its enjoyment, it also became more public in its funding. Large-scale museums such as the Museum of Art opened earlier this year alongside M+, which launched in 2016. Simultaneously, it began the trickle (or should I say waterfall) of new galleries and spaces that popped up over the city.

Having set aside HK$20 billion (USD $2.6 billion) for arts and culture expenditure last year, the government has gradually placed more attention into the city’s art scene.

Needless to say, art in the city found a new voice and platform. Now, local galleries and artists are becoming more and more frequent as parts of the city find solace and passion in artistic expression. We have ways to go before local art is as well recognized as the international pieces that sit in Art Basel, but all cities start from somewhere, right?

Before, art was commerce. Now, it’s becoming part of the culture.

Here is a list of the favourite artistic events and artists in the city.

• Art Basel / Art Central
• Museum of Art
• M+
• Para Site
• Vhils – outdoor urban artwork
• Rossi & Rossi
• Gagosian Gallery
• Opera Hong Kong

Series Article 1: Breathe, breathe in the air.

Series Article 2: Dancing in the Street

Series Article 3: Going Underground

Series Article 4: We Built This City... on Rock and Roll

Series Article 5: Food, Glorious Food...

Series Article 6: Stayin' Alive...