Webdesk: Since China and Hong Kong eliminated COVID-19 lockdown limitations, Art Basel Hong Kong. One of Asia’s biggest contemporary art shows, stated on Tuesday they are optimistic about the region’s art industry.
Hong Kong hosts the annual Basel, Paris, and Miami Beach fair March 23-25.
32 nations and territories in Asia, Europe, the Americas. Africa are represented by 177 galleries, up from 130 in 2022.
“Despite the challenges of the pandemic. The Asian art market has also remained resilient, with Greater China accounting for 20% of worldwide sales by value. And ranking second as the second largest regional art market in the latest edition of the Art Basel”. Art Basel CEO Noah Horowitz told reporters.
Hong Kong had 56 million visitors before the pandemic, but shops are empty and Chinese tourists. Who fuelled the art market, and have yet to return.
Gagosian, Hauser & Wirth, Lehmann Maupin, Victoria Miro, Pace, Perrotin, White Cube, and David Zwirner are leading international galleries at Art Basel this year.
“Gravity” a 10-meter-tall inflatable sculpture of Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun by Los Angeles-based artist Awol Erizku. Is on display in a mall near Art Basel’s dazzling halls at Hong Kong’s harbourfront convention centre.
Hong Kong’s administration has welcomed the art fair to revive its economy. Following nearly three years of COVID-19 lockdowns, a blocked border with China, and a security crackdown.
Since June 2020, when a broad national security law was approved to restrict liberties, jail opposition democrats, and close liberal media sites, hundreds of thousands have departed the area.
China said the law stabilised the country after 2019 pro-democracy protests, despite Western criticism.
Art Basel praised creativity.
“No show censorship. Since 2013, the show hasn’t altered much “Art Basel Hong Kong director Angelle Siyang-Le stated.