art basel hong kong 2017

Most people would know that Art Basel is one of the biggest and most prestigious art fairs in the world – so much so that it has spawned satellite editions  since its inception in 1974 in the Swiss city.

One of the key satellite editions is Art Basel Hong Kong, which opens March 23 – 25 at the city’s Convention and Exhibition Center. You can bet Art Basel Hong Kong is where art lovers of every stripe (and bank account) will be at this week.

With mega shows like these, you’re likely to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of exhibitors and art on display. The 5th edition of Art Basel Hong Kong features 242 premier galleries (of which 29 are new entrants) from 34 countries (including Singapore) as well as a new curatorial sector, Kabinett. Here, we highlight 3 artists you should look out for:

#1: Christo

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La Isla Bonita 🍬 #christo

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The Bulgarian artist Christo is best known for his large scale works that dealt with environmentalism – above, an prime example – “Surrounded Islands” from 1983, where he surrounded eleven islands in Biscayne Bay with 6.5 million square foot of floating fabric.

#2: Wang Xin

A young artist from Hubei, China who specialises in hypnotism in her art, she frequently uses language and signs to challenge the status of artists today and their relationship with the art market. It’s slightly reminiscent of Tracey Emin’s works and makes for an arresting sight.

#3: Shen Shaomin

Another Chinese artist to take note of is Shen Shaomin, whose hyperrealistic sculptures attempt to question the line between the real and the imaginary. For Art Base Hong Kong, he’s created a series of ‘sleeping’ communist legends specifically for the fair – Fidel Castro being the only one without his own glass coffin.

For more information on tickets and prices, go here.

Like this? Check out Singapore’s newest up-and-coming artist to know, Lee Yun Qin, why the newly opened ParkView Museum is the latest hotspot in town for art and some of the funniest fashion parody Instagram accounts to know

Main image: @desarthegallery Instagram