10 Chancery Lane Gallery

The 2011 Hong Kong Art Fair in its 4th year, is the biggest fair to date, and has been extremely well received on many sides. Compared to the previous year, the 2011 fair has a tighter selection of galleries (I’ve been told the quality of art went up as well), better organization of events and a spacious layout of fair grounds, with superb marketing and service. On day one of the fair, while trying to tackle the jet lag many gallerists from New York seemed somewhat nervous, but by the final day many have completely mellowed out and happy with their results. Many say they look forward to returning next year, especially being speculative about the merge with Art Basel. The fair is separated by the main section of galleries, emerging galleries in Art Futures, and a focus on Asian artists in Asia One. Red art is speckled here and there, and so is the talk of Ai Weiwei. Organizers and galleries have been giving out “Where is Ai Weiwei” tees and buttons, although so far I haven’t seen anyone wear them in China.  Leaving the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong, and arriving in an artist village hideout in Shenzhen, China, I’m finally able to reflect a little on the events.  Enjoy the photos.

Liu Wei

Michael Lau (Hong Kong artist)

Ming Wong (Vitamin Creative Space)

The Horizon Placed at Home, Pak Sheung Chuen (seawater collected from Victoria Harbor)

Alex Katz

Yang Fu Dong

Selçuk Artut (CDA Projects)

Videotage

Leap Magazine editors

local media

Barnaby Furnas (Marianne Boesky)

Zhang Huan in conversation with Royal Academy of Arts

Elin Melburg

Standing inside Elin Melburg's "I Wish I Wish I Wish in Vain" installation

afterparty at The Pawn

(photos: HW)