ART HK 10: A quick guide to the big art sale

Since its inauguration three years ago, the Hong Kong contemporary art fair ART HK has become a must-go event on the international art calendar. This year it's on from May 27-30 at the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Centre. 

Being a gateway city and boasting a zero import and export tax for art works, it’s no wonder ART HK attracts so many collectors from around the world. But buying art is not only for the uber-wealthy. We've put together a little guide so that all the art newbies out there, and even their kids, know what's on and where to go. 

Pablo Picasso’s 1936 portrait of Marie-Thérèse.

Blue-chip work of Picasso’s mistress

So you saw Picasso’s painting depicting his muse and mistress Marie-Thérèse Walter auctioned off for US$106.5 million earlier this month, setting a new world record for any work of art sold at auction. Now you can own a piece of Picasso’s Marie-Thérèse too. Gagosian Gallery is bringing in a 1936 oil portrait of Marie-Thérèse. At the time of the painting, she was 27 and Picasso was 55.

Other blue-chip works are also available. Gagosian Gallery is bringing in another Picasso -- one of his “Musketeers”, Hauser & Wirth is bringing in early Henry Moore sculptures and drawings that are coming straight from the Moore family, and London Gallery White Cube will be presenting a solo Damien Hirst show in their separate installation space.

Works are available from essentially all the rock stars of contemporary art: Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Subodh Gupta, Yang Shaobin, Takashi Murakami, Yoshitomo Nara and many more.

"Myths" by Andy Warhol

The seasoned art collector with a taste for emerging artists

Can’t afford to splurge a few million on a canvas? No worries. With more than 150 galleries from 29 countries, there is a lot to choose from.

You can also head over to the ART FUTURES section of the fair which is dedicated to showcasing works of emerging artists from new galleries less than five years old. Discover new stars before everyone else.

Emerging Japanese artist Noriko Yamaguchi will stage a performance where her keitai girls (mobile phone girls) will dance and march around the booths and “tempt audience to touch their bodies” -- apparently a comment on our society’s obsession with technology and communication.

Noriko Yamaguchi ‘s keitai girl performance will take place at 8pm during the Vernissage (invitation only).

Extract of "You became so small" by Takafumi Hara.

The new art collector

Do not be intimidated if you are new to art-collecting. Take the one-hour “New to Buying Art Tour” where you will get a lowdown on art buying, including what to look out for and buying etiquette. You also get to view an interesting collection of works for under US$5,000 from various participating galleries.

Extract of "Reworking the Classics" Ink on paper by Koon Wai-bong.

I heart Hong Kong

You’ve heard enough about how Hong Kong is a city where East meets West, but nowhere is that more evident than in the works of local artists. Many artists work in traditional media while dealing with contemporary issues.

Wilson Shieh is among the most sought-after. He combines the thousand year-old gongbi fine brush technique with satire and issues of sensuality.

Also check out Grotto Fine Art, which exclusively represents Hong Kong artists. They will be having a focus presentation of contemporary ink painter Koon Wai-bong.

Whether you are flying in for the fair, or you are just strolling over from your Star Street flat: Show some love. Support local art.

Extract of "The Little Star Dweller" by Yoshitomo Nara.

The frugal art lover (or you just need a break from shopping)

If you haven’t recovered from the financial downturn, or you just never had any money to begin with, ART HK is your chance to come into breathing distance with a masterpiece. But (at the risk of sounding preachy,) art fairs are not JUST for buying. Art lovers of all financial means will need a break from booth-hopping at some point and there will be plenty of activities to fill your day.

You can join a free tour of the fair led by Para/Site art space, then catch a performance at the concourse, check out a printmaking demonstration, go to an artist talk, then end your day with one of the panel discussions organized by the Asia Art Archive featuring 24 impressive panelists.

Bring your creative kids

Besides taking your kids to see Yoshitomo Nara and Liu Ye’s works, there are other activities for your children too. There is a workshop for 5-7 year-olds and a guided tour designed for 8-12 year-olds. These are one-hour long and are free with your admission ticket.

Also get an activity pack for primary and secondary school students provided by 1aSpace.