Hong Kong: Art Basel Hong Kong 2025 has once again proven to be a showcase of extraordinary diversity and innovation, offering a platform for both established and emerging galleries from around the world. With 240 exhibitors participating this year, the fair presents a vast array of artistic expressions, styles, and subject matter that spans across continents. While Art Basel’s other editions in Basel, Miami Beach, and Paris attract global attention, the Hong Kong iteration distinguishes itself by offering a more expansive representation of galleries from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, making it a unique and essential destination for the global art community.

A Strong Global Presence with an Emphasis on Regional Talent

The fair has long been recognized for its emphasis on Asian art, with a robust presence from China, Japan, Korea, India, and Southeast Asia. However, this year’s edition reflects an even broader scope, with an increased focus on rising and established galleries from Africa and the Middle East. According to Vincenzo de Bellis, Art Basel’s global director of fairs and exhibition platforms, this emphasis is a reflection of the maturation of these regions’ art scenes and the influx of exceptional talent.

“It’s very important that we try to map the region at large,” de Bellis stated. “The quality is what drives every selection.” This approach ensures that visitors to Art Basel Hong Kong encounter works that may not be seen at other leading art fairs, fostering a sense of discovery and surprise.

Highlights from the 2025 Edition: Unmissable Booths and Presentations

1. A Gold-Digging Video Game by Cao Fei (Vitamin Creative Space, Beijing)

Chinese multimedia artist Cao Fei captivated audiences with an immersive, interactive video game that explores themes of capitalism, labor, and technological transformation. Presented by Vitamin Creative Space (Beijing), the installation invited participants to navigate a virtual world where they assume the role of a gold digger searching for riches in a rapidly changing economy. Through clever storytelling and innovative visuals, Cao Fei’s work offers a critique of modern consumer culture and the commodification of human effort.

2. Extravagant Installations by Raqib Shaw (White Cube, London/Hong Kong)

Raqib Shaw, the London-based Indian-born artist known for his intricate, opulent paintings, delivered a visually arresting installation at White Cube’s booth. His work, which blends Eastern and Western art influences, featured elaborate imagery inspired by mythology, nature, and fantasy. The highlight was a large-scale installation adorned with precious materials, reflecting Shaw’s meticulous craftsmanship and dazzling aesthetic. His use of enamel, gold leaf, and lacquer created a sensorial experience that drew crowds throughout the fair.

3. Political Commentary by Ibrahim Mahama (Gallery 1957, Accra/London)

Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama showcased a powerful installation that used jute sacks, a material historically tied to trade and exploitation, to comment on themes of colonialism, migration, and globalization. Presented by Gallery 1957 (Accra/London), Mahama’s work transformed discarded materials into a profound commentary on economic disparity and historical injustices. His installation resonated deeply with viewers, offering a tactile and emotional exploration of Africa’s colonial past and its enduring impact on the present.

4. Dynamic Sculptures by Yinka Shonibare (Goodman Gallery, Johannesburg/London/Paris)

Yinka Shonibare’s vibrant, textile-based sculptures were a standout at Goodman Gallery’s booth. Shonibare’s use of Dutch wax fabric, which symbolizes colonial histories and global trade, was masterfully deployed to explore themes of identity, race, and cultural hybridity. His sculptures depicted figures frozen in moments of dance and movement, offering a dynamic visual representation of the complexities of postcolonial identity.

5. Futuristic Visions by Hajra Waheed (Experimenter, Kolkata/Mumbai)

Canadian-Pakistani artist Hajra Waheed presented a mesmerizing multimedia installation at Experimenter’s booth that delved into themes of surveillance, displacement, and the politics of belonging. Waheed’s work combined video, sound, and found objects to create a sensory experience that encouraged viewers to question power structures and the impact of surveillance in contemporary society.

Innovations in Technology and New Media Art

This year’s Art Basel Hong Kong also showcased a significant focus on technology and new media art, reflecting the evolving landscape of contemporary artistic practice. Interactive installations, virtual reality experiences, and AI-generated works provided a glimpse into the future of art, while simultaneously raising questions about authorship, ethics, and the relationship between art and technology.

Spotlight on Rising Galleries and Lesser-Known Gems

Visitors willing to explore beyond the marquee names were rewarded with hidden treasures on the fair’s third floor, where lesser-known galleries presented groundbreaking works by emerging artists. These spaces offered fresh perspectives and innovative approaches, reinforcing Art Basel Hong Kong’s commitment to fostering new voices and pushing the boundaries of contemporary art.

Art Basel Hong Kong’s Growing Influence and Global Significance

As Art Basel Hong Kong 2025 draws to a close on March 30, it is evident that the fair has solidified its reputation as a vital platform for showcasing the diversity and dynamism of the global art scene. With its focus on regional talent and its embrace of technological innovation, the fair continues to serve as a bridge between cultures and ideas, positioning Hong Kong as a hub for artistic exchange and dialogue.

For collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts, Art Basel Hong Kong 2025 has not only delivered exceptional art but also underscored the importance of looking beyond familiar territories to discover the voices shaping the future of contemporary art.