Hong Kong is home to a dynamic art scene with plenty of exhibitions and installations all year round, but Art Basel is one of its annual highlights for collectors, connoisseurs and art-lovers alike.
We asked four Hong Kong Art Week insiders to share what they’re most excited about at this year’s fair and their favourite spots to hit up when in Hong Kong:
Arthur de Villepin, Co-founder of Villepin Gallery
What are you looking forward to at Art Basel Hong Kong?
Art Basel is always a moment of incredible artistic exchange, but this year feels particularly special as we’re launching “Day Zero,” a solo exhibition by Yukimasa Ida at VILLEPIN. The exhibition explores themes of identity, transformation, and rebirth, imagining a future where technology and art intersect to redefine human existence. Ida’s work reflects on the cycles of destruction and renewal, offering a deeply introspective yet forward-looking perspective. I’m excited to see how other artists and galleries engage with similar ideas, especially in a time where the boundaries between the physical and digital worlds continue to blur.
What’s trending now?
There is a strong shift toward artists who challenge traditional artistic practices and embrace transformation in their work. Buyers are increasingly drawn to pieces that capture this evolving dialogue—blurring the lines between past and future, permanence and impermanence. Ida’s work in “Day Zero” embodies this tension beautifully. His layered, expressive portraits and large-scale landscapes reflect both personal and collective histories, resonating with collectors looking for works that tell a deeper story. His ability to fuse classical techniques with an ever-evolving vision of the future makes his work particularly relevant in today’s market.
What are some of your favourite Hong Kong spots?
For dim sum, One Harbour Road at the Grand Hyatt is an excellent choice—it offers a refined take on classic Cantonese cuisine with one of the best views in the city. For those with access, there’s a new incredible tea room concept at the Dynasty Club, not far from the fair, which is perfect for a more intimate and exclusive experience. And of course, Caprice Restaurant & Bar remains a personal favourite for its impeccable service, great wine selection, and consistently outstanding food.
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Evelyn Lin, President of Greater China, Pace Gallery
What are you looking forward to at Art Basel Hong Kong?
I’m excited about the fair every year because it’s a unique opportunity to bring together collectors from all over the world. It’s always a pleasure to meet them in person, engage in meaningful conversations, and share our passion for art.
What’s trending now?
The current trend seems to be divided into two distinct directions. Collectors are either seeking works by emerging artists, typically priced under US$100,000, or they are focusing on established blue-chip artists with a strong market presence. It’s a balance between investing in the proven and discovering the next generation of talent.
Pace Gallery Hong Kong will be showcasing one of the key artists in the Pop Art movement and art history, “Robert Indiana: The Shape Of The World”, opening the week of Art Basel on March 24. Referred to as the “American painter of signs,” Indiana used words and numerals in his signature style–his art playing a pivotal role in exploring American identity and iconography.
What are some of your favourite Hong Kong spots?
One of my favourite spots at the moment is Tai Kwun—it offers a fantastic mix of great restaurants, charming cafés, and an impressive exhibition space. It’s almost like an all-in-one cultural and lifestyle destination. Right now, the esteemed artist Alicja Kwade, whom our gallery proudly represents, is presenting her first solo institutional exhibition in Hong Kong, “Pretopia”, at Tai Kwun. What makes it even more special is the newly commissioned installation, designed specifically in response to the history and architecture of Tai Kwun’s Hall.
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Kitty Go, Founder of EKart Asia
What are you looking forward to at Art Basel Hong Kong?
My first stop will be at Galerie du Monde to view the AI videos of Alison Nguyen who has that rare talent that draws you in with visually appealing work yet has deep and well thought-out messages and ideas.
What’s trending now?
With the MET NYC calligraphy of Tong Yang TZE and Zheng Chong Bin’s LACMA show this year, more people, especially the Chinese audience, will look and appreciate their own contemporary art which are based on stronger fundamentals.
What are some of your favourite Hong Kong spots?
Melomist Spa for calm and care with the latest Korean skincare and machines in Central, and Dalloyau in Entertainment Building for refined white tablecloth dining with unpretentious foods like French yellow chicken, tomato pasta and delicious pastries.
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Alison Pickett, Curator & Art Consultant
What are you looking forward to at Art Basel Hong Kong?
I’m always excited to see new artists, especially to discover any new sculptors, and Grotto Fine Art showcasing the best of Hong Kong’s open artists is always a must visit at Art Basel Hong Kong. But I’m most excited for the unveiling of the 7m BREATHING TREE interactive and immersive kinetic sculpture by world renowned environmental American artist Ned Kahn at The Henderson, which will be unveiled on 27 March and open to public 29 March. It’s his first project in Hong Kong.
What’s trending now?
I’m seeing a resurgence of interest in sculpture, which is my passion, and I feel there is an expanding interest from discerning collectors in learning more about the skills of the maker and to connect with the artists rather than just acquire works for the sake of it. Workshop and studio visits for the experience to meet with and watch artists create are becoming more in demand. Polo Bourieau’s stone sculpture studio in Kennedy Town is always worth a visit. It’s a little off the radar, and the only stone sculpture studio on Hong Kong island, but a hidden gem well worth a visit.
What are some of your favourite Hong Kong spots?
JAA BAR for evening drinks – it’s a tiny little speakeasy bar hidden down an alleyway off Peel Street/Gage Street, and a hangout for creative locals and interesting people. The Slow spa in Kennedy Town is my go-to for a foot massage, which is much needed after traipsing round all the art fairs and events.
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Written by: Juliana Loh
Want more arty tips in The Big Lychee? Get the LUXE Hong Kong guide:
