Art Basel in Hong Kong
I visited “Art Basel Hong Kong 2019.”
Art Basel is the world’s largest art fair — a marketplace where you can purchase art.
Art Basel is held three times a year — in Hong Kong (March), Switzerland (June), and Miami (December) — bringing together renowned galleries from around the world to exhibit works centered on major artists. It is a festival where art collectors from across the globe gather with the aim of building their collections.
As an art collector, I gather information for the purpose of adding to my collection.
However, when you’re in Japan, the options for collecting art are inevitably limited.
Wanting to broaden the scope of my own collection, I decided to attend and experience firsthand the heart of the art market at the world’s largest art fair.
To make effective use of a short trip, my itinerary started with the 6:25 a.m. Hong Kong Express flight out of Haneda (arriving 10:45 local time). Even though online check-in was available, whether I could make it in time by leaving home on the first train was cutting it close, so to be safe I took the last train to Haneda the night before.
Haneda Airport’s international terminal is open 24 hours. Having already completed online check-in, I was able to breeze through to immigration. Past the departure gate, I took a nap at the “SKY LOUNGE.” Showing a credit card gold card lets you use “SKY LOUNGE” — which normally costs 1,080 yen — free of charge.
The lounge has Wi-Fi and power outlets, free-flow soft drinks (alcohol is paid), and I stretched out on a soft sofa to spend the night. Since the lounge is not a sleeping room, the lights stay on as usual. Restrooms and a smoking booth were located in the same space.
I made the decision to go to Hong Kong about two months earlier, on January 25, 2019.
I booked with the low-cost carrier Hong Kong Express and locked in a round-trip flight for an all-in “41,290 yen” — an unbelievable price. Even upgrading to seats with extra legroom cost only 2,700 yen one-way, 5,400 yen round-trip. This is what people mean by “if you’re going to Basel, go to Hong Kong” — it’s a destination that’s easy on both time and money.
The hotel I booked was in Wan Chai, a district a little way from the venue.
It’s one of Hong Kong’s central districts — bustling and full of energy.
I could have gone straight to the art fair, but my luggage was heavy so I left it at the hotel (check-in was at 2 p.m.).
I ate lunch with my fellow collectors at a nearby Chinese restaurant, then headed over.
I arrived at the venue just before 2 p.m. Astonishingly, same-day tickets were already SOLD OUT! And even for ticket holders and those who had purchased in advance, general admission meant a 5-hour wait to get in!
I had been given a VIP ticket, so I glanced sidelong at the line and glided smoothly inside.
If I hadn’t gotten that VIP ticket — what would have happened? It’s terrifying to imagine now.
The strong takeaway here: avoid same-day tickets!, do your best to get your hands on a VIP ticket!, or ask a VIP ticket holder to bring you along as their companion. *A VIP ticket grants entry to two people — the holder plus one companion.
Also be mindful of what you carry with you when entering.
Art Basel conducts luggage checks that you won’t find at Art Fair Tokyo.
Prohibited items are clearly defined for the protection of the artworks, with signage displayed like the one shown below. I had checked my backpack at the hotel in advance and avoided any issues, but be careful with items like umbrellas and large cameras.
A dedicated cloakroom is set up inside the venue. As far as I could see, there were no coin lockers.
Unlike Art Fair Tokyo, the rule inside the venue is “photography permitted on all works”. Free Wi-Fi is available, so bringing a smartphone is a good idea.
Also, note that there are no currency exchange counters around the venue. Some galleries only accept cash…
The Julian Opie item I wanted couldn’t be purchased because credit cards weren’t accepted.
On the next page, I’ll continue the report while introducing works from inside the venue.
Mahiro Kobayashi
Overview
Art Basel Hong Kong 2019
Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Dates: Wednesday, March 27 – Sunday, March 31, 2019
Private View (Invitation Only)
Wednesday, March 27, 2019 14:00-20:00
Thursday, March 28, 2019 13:00-17:00
Vernissage
Thursday, March 28, 2019 17:00-19:00
Public Days
Friday, March 29 & Saturday, March 30, 2019 13:00-20:00
*12:00-13:00 each day *VIP-only viewing
Sunday, March 31, 2019 11:00-18:00
Admission
Single Day Ticket
Friday, March 29, 2019 Advance: HK$300 / Same-day: HK$375
Saturday, March 30, 2019 Advance: HK$400 / Same-day: HK$475
Sunday, March 31, 2019 Advance: HK$400 / Same-day: HK$475
