Latest news with #HongKongArtWeek
South China Morning Post
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
As Art Basel arrives, we explore the intersection of fashion and art, in conversation with Cheruby founder Cherry Xu, Gregory de la Hogue Moran of Anest Collective, and Meanswhile's Naohiro Fujisaki
Since Art Basel first arrived in Hong Kong in 2013, the international fair has evolved to become one of the city's premier events for arts and culture. As the centrepiece of Hong Kong Art Week every March and as an event that brings in hordes of buyers, editors, curators and more , it's also become a major attraction for the global fashion crowd. Now, collaborations between the worlds of art and fashion are the rule rather than the exception when it comes to luxury brand activations. Here are three talented tastemakers with exciting art and fashion tie-ins you need to know about for Art Week this year. Cherry Xu, art collector and founder of Cheruby Collector and entrepreneur Cherry Xu. Photo: Handout Advertisement Shanghai-based art collector Cherry Xu represents a new generation of influential entrepreneurs – who are changing the way the art industry operates – as the founder of non-profit organisation Cheruby, which aims to bridge the worlds of fine art and high fashion. 'The name references the Pokemon ,' Xu said in a recent interview ahead of hosting an experimental art performance with Cheruby, held in conjunction with local gallery Current Plans, to usher in Art Basel Hong Kong. The young entrepreneur says she started painting as a child and studied fine arts in college in the United States before moving back to Shanghai, reconnecting with old friends – some of whom are collectors themselves – and striking out on her own. She established Shanghai's Gallery Func back in 2021. Her first purchase for the gallery was a 2020 painting, 'Old Street June 1', by Julian Opie, best known for his association with the New British Sculpture Movement. Cherry Xu with gallery artwork. Photo: Handout In Shanghai , the fashion audience is more active than the art people,' Xu said of the inspiration behind her latest initiative. She's as much a design devotee as she is an art enthusiast, keen to support up-and-coming designers just as she does emerging artists. The opening of Cheruby's physical residency space in Shanghai, now delayed until November, will act as a pop-up for designers and a gallery space for art exhibitions once Xu irons out the details of her new venture. 'For artists, I'm quite knowledgeable about how to run a residency, how to find a curator, but for designers, I'm still talking with Delfina [Foundation, a London-based, arts non-profit body] on how to support them.' But this is far from the first time that Xu has tapped the power of fashion to elevate fine arts beyond the confines of traditional gallery spaces, exhibitions and art institutions. Being based in the East and having studied in the West, the collector works seamlessly to bridge the gap between the two cultures through her multidisciplinary approach, as evidenced by a recent show Xu hosted in Shanghai to introduce the work of Los Angeles-based artist Andrew J. Greene to Chinese audiences. A piece by Los Angeles-based artist Andrew J. Greene. Photo: Handout 'He's had some collaborations with fashion brands before,' says Xu when asked why she approached Greene in the first place. 'He designed the stores for Balenciaga in Milan and the interesting part for me is he's trying to talk about the people who want to buy something, the trends people always like to follow.'
Forbes
25-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Art Central Turns 10: What To Discover In Hong Kong's Harbourside Fair
A cornerstone of Hong Kong Art Week, Art Central marks 10 years in 2025 Courtesy of Art Central When Art Central debuted a decade ago, it was welcomed as an exciting addition to what was an already dynamic Hong Kong Art Week. With a stunning Central Harbourfront location and an approach that pushes the envelope, the fair complemented the other initiatives including the behemoth fair, Art Basel Hong Kong. Art Central 2025 is no different, but of course this edition is more ambitious given its 10th birthday. This year, art lovers of all stripes can explore work by more than 500 artists, ranging from museum quality artwork to experimental pieces from both established and emerging names. This intriguing mix has been a signature of Art Central, a fair that sees itself as a bridge across generations and a platform for undiscovered talent. Corey Andrew Barr, Fair Director of Art Central 2025 Courtesy of Art Central 'We're proud of how Art Central has become an integral part of Hong Kong Art Week, contributing to the city's status as a major art hub in Asia. Our tenth edition celebrates these achievements while continuing to innovate and push the boundaries of what an art fair can offer,' says Corey Andrew Barr, Art Central 2025 Fair Director. Curious to learn the highlights of Art Central's milestone edition? We speak to Corey Andrew Barr on what to expect: You joined as Fair Director in 2019. How has the local art scene evolved in the last five years especially emerging from the pandemic? I joined just before the pandemic hit, which marked a significant turning point for Hong Kong's art scene. Before this, the commercial art market had been expanding steadily, with more galleries opening, both as satellite locations for Western galleries and as homegrown businesses. This growth was already evident when I arrived in Hong Kong in 2013 as a gallerist. The pandemic brought about a unique opportunity for the local art scene. The opening of the M+ Museum in 2021 was a pivotal moment. Although we couldn't initially welcome international visitors, it became a focal point and ignited interest in art among Hong Kong residents. Hong Kong's M+ Museum of Visual culture (Photo by: Bob Henry/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images This renewed interest also came from collectors who began focusing more on local galleries and Hong Kong artists, driving sales and especially garnering the attention of younger collectors. This shift increased emphasis on Hong Kong artists, which had previously been overshadowed by international contemporary artists. Today, there's a newfound balance between the local and international art markets. Collectors from around the world are now drawn to Hong Kong, fostering deeper engagement with art on both institutional and commercial levels. At Art Central, we continue to platform local and regional talent alongside global artists, ensuring that Hong Kong's vibrant art scene remains at the forefront. Art Central is often compared to Art Basel Hong Kong as it happens at the same time. Can you tell us the main difference? Our timing alongside Art Basel is strategic, as it allows for a cross-pollination of ideas and people—crucial to our success and that of Hong Kong Art Week. Art Central is a unique platform combining gallery presentations with a creative program featuring performance, video art, and installations. This approach creates an environment that invites collectors and visitors to engage with art holistically. Sunayama Norico, A Sultry World shown at Art Central 2024 Courtesy of Art Central We don't benchmark ourselves against other fairs; instead, we focus on offering a distinctive experience that complements the broader art ecosystem. Art Central draws galleries eager to establish a presence in Asia's largest art market and those aiming to showcase their artists on a global platform. We strive to highlight both established and emerging galleries, ensuring visitors can discover new talents alongside renowned artists. This diversity is reflected in our gallery programs, such as Neo, which highlights fresh perspectives from emerging galleries. It's also seen in this year's Legend feature, which showcases the work of six pioneering artists from the Asia-Pacific. By fostering this mix, we encourage an exchange between different generations of artists and collectors. The general vibe at Art Central is accessible and inclusive. We aim to create an atmosphere where visitors feel encouraged to explore and engage in art. This approach helps foster a sense of community among attendees, making the experience more enjoyable and enriching. Dai Ying, Temple, 2025, Xuan paper, silk, stainless steel, Chinese pigments, 280 x 210 x 155 cm at Art Central Courtesy of the artist and Yiwei Gallery What should we expect at Art Central's 10th anniversary? Our tenth edition is a powerhouse of curated gallery projects and creative programs on a scale we've never seen before, including 108 galleries and the work of over 500 artists from 45 countries around the world. The Fair is expertly curated by Enoch Cheng, Aaditya Sathish, and Shirky Chan, who have organised a wide range of features. These include Chinese artist Dai Ying's life-size Temple II, live on-site studios for artists from Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area and a six-day series of lecture-performance art by both international and regional artists. What would you say is the most significant achievement a decade on? It would be Art Central's enduring impact on the development of galleries and artists who have participated over the years. It's remarkable to see how many of these talents have achieved international recognition and how Art Central has played a role in their journey. Art Central has also played a pivotal role in levelling the playing field for local and regional artists by showcasing their work alongside global talents, thereby contributing to a shift in perception that recognises Hong Kong artists as equals in the international art world. This shift has been instrumental in fostering a more vibrant and inclusive art ecosystem in the city. A peek inside Art Central Hong Kong Image courtesy of Art Central Not to play favourites, but can you share a few gallery highlights we shouldn't miss? In addition to our curated gallery programmes Neo, Legend, Photography and Yi Tai Projects, we will also have a dedicated onsite video art theater that will screen video art for the duration of the show, a lecture-performance series taking place on each day of the fair, and Nadim Abbas' large-scale installation which is modelled on the architectural drawings of the late Andrea Branzi. Outside the fair, which satellite initiatives or creative clusters should we check out? One event worth exploring is Supper Club, a curatorial collaboration among several international galleries, now in its second year. Visitors looking for authentic Hong Kong art experiences can check out Wure Area, Osage, Videotage, the artist-run initiatives in Sham Shui Po and the southern gallery district of Wong Chuk Hang/Tin Hau. These places offer a glimpse into the thriving community-driven aspect of Hong Kong's art scene. Art Central runs from March 26 - 30, 2025
