by Wonsuh Song
I visited Hong Kong under the banner of “healing” after finishing a long academic semester. My main purpose was to reunite with a friend I hadn’t seen in long time, but while planning my trip, I discovered that the world-renowned contemporary art fair, Art Basel Hong Kong 2025, happened to take place at the same time. As someone who had always been something of an outsider to the art world, I never imagined I would find myself stepping into an event buzzing with prominent artists and influential collectors.
This year’s Art Basel Hong Kong, held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), featured participation from over 240 galleries across 42 countries, showcasing the latest trends in contemporary art. During the fair, an astonishing 90,000 visitors flocked to the venue—underscoring Hong Kong’s status as a central hub for the Asian art market. Even though the crowd was international, what really caught my eye were the young visitors from mainland China. Strolling through the fair speaking Mandarin and dressed in chic outfits, they exemplified the modern-day lifestyle of blending “art appreciation” with social media posting.
Usually, when you visit an art exhibition, you focus only on the works themselves. But Art Basel felt different. I noticed the consultation tables set up in front of each gallery booth, the staff gathered around them, and the constant stream of people taking photos—together, they formed what seemed like an extension of the artwork itself. Observing people carefully choosing how to pose—deliberately matching their personal fashion and vibe to the piece in front of them—made me realize that the true star of this exhibition wasn’t just the painting or sculpture, but the individuals who come to enjoy it.
For Hong Kong, which has struggled with declining visitor numbers since COVID-19, Art Basel Hong Kong seemed like a “relief pitcher.” Hotels and restaurants buzzed with crowds during the fair, and various related events took place all over the city, creating a festival atmosphere. The trade in art pieces, along with VIP previews, generated considerable sums of money, and the spending by the general public contributed significantly to Hong Kong’s economy. Although Hong Kong’s “golden age” of culture, represented by stars like Leslie Cheung and Anita Mui, may have faded somewhat, Art Basel revealed a renewed cultural energy in the city.
Walking through the exhibition halls on the final day, I found myself wondering, “Why did I wait so long to visit a place like this?” For someone like me, who had essentially walled myself off from art, Art Basel Hong Kong wasn’t just a heavyweight event at the forefront of contemporary art; it also offered a refreshingly new perspective that emphasized respect for individual tastes and free communication. At first, the environment felt unfamiliar, but in the end, I found it fascinating to see how people connect with each other through art to create new stories.
I hope Hong Kong continues to cultivate its unique sensibility and artistic value. And if I get another chance to visit Art Basel in the future, I’d like to observe the artworks with a more open mind—while also enjoying the realization that I, too, have become part of the exhibition itself. It’s a reminder that art is never too distant; although it can feel unfamiliar, it’s also an ever-present landscape that we all help to shape.
Wonsuh Song (Ph.D.)
Lecturer at Shumei University / NKNGO Forum Representative
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