Art Basel Hong Kong is once again transforming the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) into a global meeting point for contemporary art. With 240 participating galleries from 42 countries and regions, this year’s edition keeps its promise to be one of the most dynamic yet.
A key highlight of this year’s fair is the Encounters sector, curated by Alexie Glass-Kantor under the theme “As the World Turns.” This segment is showing 18 large-scale installations exploring themes of mythology, digital and physical interfaces, and cultural storytelling.
Notable works include Monster Chetwynd’s Lanternfly Ballet, an immersive site-specific installation at Pacific Place, supported by Swire Properties, as well as a pop-up digital art store by Lu Yang, presented by de Sarthe and COMA. These pieces challenge traditional notions of scale and interactivity, pushing the boundaries of contemporary art presentation.
The Kabinett sector reaches new heights in 2025, featuring 36 gallery presentations—the most extensive edition in Art Basel Hong Kong’s history. This curated section highlights thematic and solo projects, with a strong focus on artists from the Asia-Pacific region.
Spotlights include Takahiro Kondo’s innovative ceramic works, which explore the transformative properties of water, presented by Tokyo Gallery + BTAP, and Martin Wong’s ceramics and paintings, which delve into themes of cultural identity, exhibited by P.P.O.W.
One of the most exciting additions to this year’s fair is certainly the newly launched MGM Discoveries Art Prize, designed to support emerging artists. With a prize of $50,000, this initiative focuses on rising talents such as Shin Min, Kayode Ojo, and Saju Kunhan. The winner will be announced during the event, offering a significant boost to their artistic career.
Beyond the exhibition halls, Art Basel Hong Kong 2025 is hosting an extensive public program, spanning locations such as HKCEC, M+, and Tai Kwun. The film sector, curated by Para Site Hong Kong, features seven screenings with works by 30 artists, tackling themes of resilience, ecological interdependence, and technological realities.
Additionally, the Conversations program brings together leading voices from the art world to discuss the intersections of art, technology, and contemporary culture, fostering critical dialogue on the evolving role of art in society.
With its ambitious scope and diverse programming, Art Basel Hong Kong 2025 solidifies the city’s position as a cultural powerhouse and a key player in the global art market. The fair not only serves as a platform for artistic innovation but also highlights Hong Kong’s role as a bridge between Eastern and Western art worlds.
Images: Interior views of Art Basel Hong Kong, 2025. Courtesy of Art Basel.
ART BASEL HONG KONG Convention & Exhibition Centre 26 through 30 March 2025 Hong Kong, China https://www.artbasel.com/hong-kong
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