 The growing importance of Asia as a centre for art sales is being recognised by the launch of Art HK 08, Hong Kong’s first major international art fair for more than a decade. Targeted to bring together 100 galleries from across Asia and around the world, the event is long overdue, say organisers, who point to Hong Kong’s standing as the world’s third-largest art auction sales market, after New York and London.
“The time is right for a truly international Hong Kong art fair,” says
Natasha Cubitt, Marketing Director of Art HK 08. “It used to be that
Asian collectors were only purchasing Asian art. But after Joseph Lau
recently paid USD32m for a Gauguin, it is clear they are now looking
globally for the best art.”
Featuring art exhibitions, seminars and educational events, this year’s
inaugural Art HK 08 will establish the platform for an annual event,
says Cubitt. “We are the only fair in Asia to present the very best of
both contemporary and modern art. We will introduce Asian collectors to
blue-chip and emerging artists from the west, and showcase new art from
Asia and around the world.” Participating galleries already confirmed
include high-profile names from New York, London, Paris, Zurich,
Madrid, Taipei, Melbourne, Tokyo, Taipei, Seoul, Hong Kong, Beijing and
Shanghai.
The show is currently negotiating with potential title sponsors, and
Cubitt says there is strong interest. “Art HK 08 will present art in
the same way as you would a luxury brand. In this way, artworks are
prized as valuable pieces, but without any associated snobbery.”
HK Art 08 will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, from 14-18 May.
Last update : Sunday, 27 January 2008
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