Art Basel: Hong Kong galleries back organiser amid calls to cancel fair over protests, coronavirus emergency

Misinformed, myopic, prey to fearmongering – Hong Kong art gallery representatives don’t mince their words about foreign dealers seeking fair’s cancellation

Gallery association says it will respect organiser’s decision on fair amid coronavirus outbreak, and vows other ‘art week’ events in March will go on

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A guest attends a reception for Art Basel Hong Kong. Hong Kong art galleries have criticised counterparts overseas who have called on organisers to cancel the fair for misrepresenting the situation in Hong Kong. Photo: Reuters

Published: 12:30pm, 1 Feb 2020Updated: 12:30pm, 1 Feb 2020

The Hong Kong Art Gallery Association has thrown its support behind the local arts community after foreign dealers called on organisers of Art Basel Hong Kong to cancel the fair because of ongoing political protests and the worsening coronavirus crisis.

Two letters have been sent to Art Basel Hong Kong organisers this week urging them to cancel the fair, which is due to open to the public from March 19 to 21. The latest, written by British art dealer Richard Nagy, prompted the association’s response.

Nagy questioned Art Basel’s leadership, stating: “Regretfully, we believe this situation needs decisive leadership and the fatally wounded Art Basel Hong Kong 2020 needs to be put out of its misery and quickly … Please tell us what and where the line has been drawn – at what point will Art Basel Hong Kong cancel the show? Is it 100 infected cases in Hong Kong? Is it a death in Hong Kong? Exactly where is your line in the sand drawn?”

The gallery association defended the fair’s organisers in a statement on Friday, saying overseas dealers failed to understand the situation in Hong Kong, due in part to misinformation and sensational media reporting.

Visitors at the Art Basel Hong Kong fair. Photo: Art Basel Hong Kong

“Let us assure you that the fair representatives have been in constant consultation with many of our gallery members, as well as regional art collectors, regarding the status of the city as it navigates one of the most tumultuous periods in its history. They have been sensitive and considered in their understanding of Hong Kong and its unique positioning.”