Hong Kong collector Alan Lo recently shared insights about his acquisitions at Art Basel Hong Kong 2025. Lo co-founded the Yenn and Alan Lo Foundation (YAL Foundation) in 2022 to support Asian transnational artistic practices and dialogue. At the fair, Lo acquired “Your Freedom” by Dublin-based Japanese artist Atsushi Kaga from Mother’s Tankstation.
He explained his interest in Kaga’s work, noting the whimsical yet morbid elements the artist brings to his pieces. Lo pointed out new discoveries at the fair, such as sculptures by Christopher K. Ho and works by Taiwanese artist Cole Lu and New York-based artist WangShui.
He observed a resurgence in sculptures and smaller-scale installation works where materiality plays a significant role. The atmosphere at Art Basel Hong Kong was described by Lo as cautiously optimistic. While the market is resilient, there is underlying uncertainty due to economic conditions.
Lo expressed a positive outlook on the Asian art market, despite economic uncertainties in China and slow auction sales. He highlighted the growing activities and projects across Southeast Asia post-Covid, emphasizing the importance of viewing Asia’s art scene holistically.
Asian art resilience amid market challenges
The 2025 edition of Art Basel Hong Kong and its 240 exhibitors have drawn to a close. Business was slightly better than expected, but the art market remains tough. The boom years seem like a distant memory, and current political issues add to the cautious atmosphere.
Despite the challenges, art sales were made. Some significant sales at the fair include:
– $3,500,000: Yayoi Kusama, INFINITY-NETS [ORUPX] (2013) at David Zwirner
– $2,000,000: Louise Bourgeois, (1988/cast 2010) at Hauser and Wirth
– $1,600,000: Michaël Borremans, (2025) at David Zwirner
– $1,500,000: Zeng Fanzhi, (2024) at Hauser and Wirth
– $1,500,000: Roy Lichtenstein, Water Lily Pond with Reflections (1992) at Thaddaeus Ropac
Art Basel Hong Kong 2025 attracted 240 international galleries from 42 countries, solidifying the cultural and artistic connection between Shanghai and Hong Kong. Both cities share many common traits; they are Chinese financial hubs with vibrant art scenes.
“Art March” in Hong Kong echoes the November Art Season in Shanghai. One of the highlights of “Art March” was Art Basel Hong Kong, held from March 28 to 30 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. For many local art lovers in Hong Kong, the Picasso exhibition at M+ is another major attraction.
Co-organized by M+ and the Musée National Picasso-Paris, it is the first major Picasso exhibition in Hong Kong in over a decade. The cultural and artistic interaction between Hong Kong and Shanghai is continuously deepening. The Hong Kong West Kowloon Cultural District Authority announced that it will host the “2025 Shanghai West Kowloon Cultural Week” in mid-June in Shanghai to showcase new developments in Hong Kong’s arts and culture.
