Joseph Chen, Director of Culture, Eaton HK
For Joseph Chen, visiting Art Basel Hong Kong was a family affair. Ever since their father, the artist Elon Chen, started receiving an annual VIP pass to the show, the two would go together. When Elon passed 10 years ago, Chen looked forward to visiting and planning the week’s calendar with friends. But this year, things look a little different: Chen will work the show for the first time, representing Tomorrow Maybe, a contemporary art space located inside Eaton HK, as one of Art Basel Hong Kong’s official cultural partners.
Joseph Chen, Director of Culture, Eaton HK.
Photo: Courtesy of Joseph Chen
Preparing their wardrobe for their first year on the show floor, Chen decided to focus on smart casual looks. In other words, ‘probably not any high heels,’ they say with a laugh, though they still plan to highlight local designers like Yat Pit and PabePabe in their outfits. Come night, ‘I can be a little bit more myself,’ Chen continues, ‘more non-binary, more androgynous, and maybe a little feminine.’
Although Chen leaves most of their schedule open to where the wind blows them, they do decide which parties, performances, and screenings they will attend ahead of time. ‘I prioritize the events I’m organizing, and then the major institutions with special events.’ This year, Chen particularly looks forward to Empty Gallery’s rave, Jas Lin’s performance at M+, and Tai Kwun’s annual ‘Artists’ Night’, featuring a performance and film screening by Lawrence Lek.
Chen also leaves much of what they engage with at Art Basel Hong Kong up to chance. There are certain galleries they look forward to visiting at the show, including Property Holdings Development Group (Hong Kong) in the Discoveries sector. When it comes to preparing a visit to the show, Chen stresses the importance of ‘not just seeing the exhibits but also attending the Film and Conversations programs.’ Moreover, they encourage patrons to plan time to explore beyond the walls of the convention center and support local nonprofit spaces: ‘These spaces do so much good for the local community – it’s so important to support their work.’
A visitor at Magician Space's booth at Art Basel Hong Kong 2024.
Photo: Courtesy of Art Basel
A visitor in front of a work by Sean Landers, presented by Petzel at Art Basel Hong Kong 2024.
Photo: Courtesy of Art Basel
Lorraine Kiang, Cofounder, Kiang Malingue
In the weeks prior to Art Basel Hong Kong, gallerist Lorraine Kiang is busy making sure new artworks are photographed, collector visits are on the schedule, and the gallery’s booth layouts are thoughtfully planned. ‘We try to get new works from many of our artists, so we finalize our selection about 2 months ahead of the fair,’ she says. Then a few weeks before the show, the gallery emails previews to collectors, and, according to Kiang, around 80% of those who respond request to see works at the booth.
‘Some collectors come for the first day or two and others decide to come on the weekend, so we try to make sure the works they would like to see will be available at the booth,’ Kiang says. ‘The preparation ahead of time is very key for us in terms of knowing who may be interested in certain works.’ Based on replies, Kiang sketches the layout for the first and second day, and then, depending on how the audience responds to the works on those days, she plans the booth layouts for every subsequent day.
Year after year, Kiang looks forward to welcoming international collectors, but this year she is also particularly excited to meet with curators from the New Museum, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the Guggenheim. ‘It’s easy to communicate and send artists’ portfolios via email, but seeing the work face to face is still very different than on a computer.’
As soon as the fair opens, she says, ‘it’s lots of talking, standing, and no time for lunch.’ But it’s fun – and a great excuse to add a few garments to her wardrobe. ‘I generally like to buy clothes,’ she admits, ‘so it’s a good occasion to dress up. This year, I got a houndstooth jacket with four sleeves from Comme des Garçons.’ She will wear heels the first 2 days but give her feet a break the rest of the week.
Kiang Malingue's booth at Art Basel in Basel 2022.
Photo: Courtesy of Art Basel
A visitor at Kiang Malingue's booth at Art Basel Hong Kong 2024.
Photo: Courtesy of Art Basel
Simon Au, Editorial Director, Vogue Hong Kong
Before Simon Au visits Art Basel Hong Kong with friends from the fashion industry, the crew meets at The St. Regis Bar for a coffee or glass of white wine, depending on the day’s vibe. He usually visits the fair multiple times and wears different styles each day, though all outfits lean toward quiet luxury – think suits and jackets from The Row, Lemaire, or Brunello Cucinelli in dark colors. ‘When appreciating different works of art, I think comfortable and simple clothing can help me relax and think about the artist’s creation in a non-stressful physical condition,’ Au says.
Simon Au, Vogue Hong Kong's Editorial Director.
Photo: Courtesy of Simon Au
Before visiting, Au browses Art Basel’s website and social media platforms and reads Art Basel Stories articles. Through these channels, he discovers which booths he wants to seek out and which talks, tours, and events he wants to attend. This year, he is planning to listen to the Conversations panel about artistic creation with AI and will stop by SC Gallery’s (Hong Kong) booth to see Chow Chun Fai’s research-based work Interview the Interviewer II (2025). The project ‘incorporates the personal archives of former Hong Kong journalists, newspaper clippings, and other media,’ Au explains. ‘To me, news reporting is rational while art is emotional, and I am looking forward to the “crossover” between the two.’ He will also be on the lookout for any special programs or exhibitions by luxury brands like Louis Vuitton.
For those preparing a trip to the show, ‘it’s important to do good research,’ Au says, ‘to know which artists or artworks you are interested in and where they are located, to minimize the time you spend looking for the booth.’ Plus, ‘comfortable and fashionable clothing is also important.’ Like Chen, he adds with a laugh, ‘high heels may not be a good choice!’
A visitor in front of a work by Michaela Yearwood-Dan, presented by Marianne Boesky Gallery at Art Basel Hong Kong 2024.
Photo: Courtesy of Art Basel
A visitor at Wooson's booth at Art Basel Hong Kong 2024.
Photo: Courtesy of Art Basel
Published in collaboration with Art Basel Hong Kong
Editor
Emily McDermott, In Collaboration With Art Basel Hong Kong
