HONG KONG — The bustling atmosphere of the ART021 Hong Kong Contemporary Art Fair captivated both locals and tourists this week, as more than 30,000 attendees flocked to the inaugural event. Running from Wednesday to yesterday, the fair showcased a stunning array of over 1,000 artworks from more than 90 galleries across 30 countries, primarily featuring artists from greater China and the southern hemisphere.
Held in prominent venues such as the West Kowloon Cultural District, Victoria Park, and Central, the fair has quickly established itself as a key player in the region’s art scene. Organizers expressed satisfaction with the turnout and reported sales that surpassed expectations, despite prevailing economic uncertainties.
David Chau, cofounder of ART021 Group, shared his enthusiasm about the event’s success. “We are thrilled with the foot traffic and sales,” he stated, emphasizing the fair’s ability to draw new clientele thanks to Hong Kong’s robust art infrastructure. Some exhibitors reported selling out their pieces within the first three days, highlighting the fair’s strong appeal.
Mark Hua Xueming from the Beijing gallery Hive Center for Contemporary Art noted that the fair provided a crucial platform for emerging mainland artists. “The exhibition is well organized and facilitates deep connections with potential buyers,” he said, revealing that his gallery sold more than half of its 15 works, including a standout piece that fetched 400,000 yuan (approximately HK$440,000) on opening day.
Macau’s Humarish club & Hwa’s Gallery also celebrated a successful debut, selling its most expensive piece—a work by renowned artist Zhou Chunya—for HK$2 million on the first day. Director Hua Yuzhou remarked on the overwhelming demand, stating, “We sold more than 10 pieces on the first day and had to prepare for additional artworks to be sent from our warehouse.”
Taiwan’s Lin & Lin Gallery reported an impressive sales record, with over 70 percent of its artworks sold, ranging in price from US$10,000 (HK$78,000) to US$50,000. Director David Lin noted a significant interest from younger collectors, particularly those around 40 years old. “Overall sales were excellent,” he added.
In addition to the main exhibition, a free public sculpture exhibition will remain open until this coming Sunday, offering a chance for even more art enthusiasts to engage with the vibrant offerings of the fair.
With plans to make ART021 an annual event in Hong Kong, organizers are already looking ahead to potential expansions next year, promising to further enrich the city’s cultural landscape.
Exhibitors sold on art fair amid huge turnout
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More than 30,000 locals and tourists visited the ART021 Hong Kong Contemporary Art Fair, with exhibitors reporting sales that exceeded expectations.
The Shanghai-oriented fair, showcasing art from greater China and countries in the southern hemisphere, made its debut here on Wednesday.
Hosted in such places as West Kowloon Cultural District, Victoria Park and Central, the event features over 1,000 artworks from more than 90 galleries across 30 countries.
The four-day main exhibition at auction house Phillips Asia’s headquarters concluded yesterday, attracting approximately 30,000 visitors, primarily from Hong Kong, the mainland and southeast Asia.
David Chau, cofounder of the event organizer ART021 Group, expressed delight over the foot traffic and sales, saying they “exceeded expectations.”
He was pleased to find that the event’s success was unaffected by concerns that the economic climate might impact sales.
Chau said that the fair attracted many new customers, thanks to Hong Kong’s robust art infrastructure.
Some exhibitors reported selling out their pieces within the first three days.
He announced plans to hold the event annually in Hong Kong and hinted at a potential expansion for next year.
Exhibitors too were satisfied with sales, saying the buyers were a diverse range from various regions.
Mark Hua Xueming from the Beijing gallery Hive Center for Contemporary Art reported selling over half of its 15 works, including a piece that fetched 400,000 yuan (HK$440,000) on the opening day.
The fair focused on emerging mainland artists to expand their market reach, he said.
“The exhibition is well organized and facilitates deep connections with potential buyers,” Hua said, adding that more than half of his clientele were new customers.
Macau-based Humarish club & Hwa’s Gallery sold its most expensive piece, a work by renowned artist Zhou Chunya, for HK$ 2million on the first day.
Its director, Hua Yuzhou, said: “We sold more than 10 pieces on the first day and had to prepare for additional artworks to be sent from our warehouse.”
Lin & Lin Gallery from Taiwan reported that more than 70 percent of its artworks were snapped up by buyers, with prices ranging from US$10,000 (HK$78,000) to US$50,000.
“Overall sales were excellent,” said its director David Lin, noting that there was significant interest from young collectors who were around 40 years old.
As part of the art fair, a free exhibition of sculptures will remain open to the public until this coming Sunday.
