March of the arts: how to select the best on exhibition in Hong Kong

It’s springtime, when the aesthetically inclined of Hong Kong start foraging for art. But it’s a confusing time. “Hong Kong Art Week”, for example: is it actually a week? The Asia Contemporary Art Show at the Conrad begins on March 17, but Art Basel doesn’t begin until the following Thursday. Sotheby’s Modern and Contemporary Art Evening Sale, the first of their spring series, isn’t until April 2. So how is the budding aficionado supposed to allot his or her precious time?

For years now, the focus of interest has been on Art Basel HK, which took over what had been ART HK in 2013. Art Basel’s brand recognition has helped bring attention to other art-related events in the city.

And there are plenty of other things going on during the week of Art Basel (March 20-26) that provide different ways to experience art.

FIND YOUR CENTRE

The other big show during art week is Art Central. Hosted in a huge marquee on Central’s waterfront from March 21-25 (with an opening on the 20th), it’s markedly different to Basel.

Those who don’t want to walk 25 kilometres in their Louboutins will be drawn to the principal venue of just over 100 exhibitors, which makes it feel personal and organic.

Smaller and regional galleries thrive, and with the more informal atmosphere you might just find yourself being able to connect more intimately with the works. Art Central also reacts lithely to trends: case in point, the Korean presence. With all things Korean being de jour across much of Asia, Art Central has 20 Korea-based galleries, displaying homegrown and international contemporary talent.