Hong Kong’s art scene is buzzing, featuring a dynamic mix of exhibitions that reflect the evolving global art landscape. From experimental installations to retrospectives of legendary artists, the city is once again asserting itself as a major hub for contemporary art.
At Hauser & Wirth, “Louise Bourgeois: Soft Landscape” which runs through June 21, showcasing the artist’s deep exploration of family and memory, which constantly plays on systematic contradictions that largely interplays the artist’s observations of worldly landscapes to represent an inner psyche or reality. Highlights include the monumental Spider (2000), making its Asian debut, and Mamelles (Fountain) (1991), a striking three-meter-long installation, both of which have symbolism to the human condition as much as all curators unanimously agree that the artist is extremely “intellectual and sophisticated about artistic references”. This exhibition underscores collectors’ continued fascination with 20th-century masters, despite recent market fluctuations.
“Robert Indiana: The Shape of the World”, a retrospective presented by Pace Gallery runs until May 9. Indiana’s politically charged numerological works, which shows his fixation with numbers and a reflection of the twelve addresses he had lived with in seventeen years, remains as relevant as ever. Of course, do not leave the gallery, without spectating the famous LOVE sculptures, popularised in America, which reflects an enduring appeal for blue-chip modern artists.
Meanwhile, many galleries known for emerging artists and presentations of the fresh perspectives of the art scene, have presented a solid showing. WKM Gallery, known for presenting avant garde talent such as JUN TAKAHASHI, is pushing the conversation forward with “Embodied Perspectives”, a group exhibition running until 3 May. Featuring six contemporary Japanese painters—Soh Souen, Iori Nagashima, Koji Yamaguchi, Jun Tsunoda, Kohei Yamada, and Momo Yoshino—this show highlights the visceral connection between the body and painting. Kohei Yamada’s luminous canvases, where bursts of yellow create a mesmerizing interplay of light and depth, exemplify the innovative spirit of contemporary Japanese art.
At Rossi & Rossi, “Chitra-Kala (चित्रकला): Weaving Awareness through Time” presents the work of Tenzing Rigdol, one of the leading contemporary Tibetan artists. His pieces, deeply rooted in tradition yet strikingly modern, reflect a growing global appreciation for artists from diverse cultural backgrounds. The market has shown a marked interest in expanding beyond Western-centric narratives, with non-traditional artists gaining greater recognition in both exhibitions and sales.
Square Street Gallery presents perhaps the most immersive experience of the season with “Reinstatement Works” by Dave Chow. This thought-provoking exhibition forces visitors to navigate an obstacle-ridden space, mirroring the rigidity of workplace norms in modern capitalist society. Curated by Additya Sathish, who also oversees Art Central, the installation is a bold statement on tension and control, culminating in an unsettling display of razor-sharp blades. This type of immersive, experiential art is becoming increasingly desirable among collectors seeking more than just visual engagement.
Art Central celebrated its milestone 10th edition from March 25–30, drawing over 43,000 local and international visitors. With its largest presentation to date—featuring 108 galleries and works by over 500 artists—the fair cemented its place as a cornerstone of Hong Kong Art Week. Highlights included Cinema Central, a new video art theatre; Neo and Legend, showcasing cutting-edge and established talent; and major installations by artists such as Nadim Abbas, Shinduk Kang, and Dean-E Mei. With expanded curatorial leadership and robust institutional support, Art Central 2025 affirmed Hong Kong’s role as Asia’s leading contemporary art platform.
Adding to the city’s vibrant art scene, Christie’s is launching its 2025 live auction season with an extraordinary lineup of sales. The highly anticipated 20th/21st Century Sales series took place on March 28–29, coinciding with Hong Kong Art Week. This will be followed by the 20th/21st Century: Shanghai Evening Sale on April 3, continuing the exciting amalgamation of artistic excellence across two cities. The series will feature exceptional works by modern and contemporary masters such as Basquiat, Magritte, Zao Wou-Ki, Yayoi Kusama, Yoshitomo Nara, and more.
These exhibitions and marquee auctions unfold as the global art market undergoes a significant transformation. According to Artnet, total fine-art auction sales dropped 27.3 percent last year to $10.2 billion, continuing a downward trend that began in 2023. Sales of trophy lots exceeding $10 million declined by 44.2 percent, and ultra-contemporary art saw a steep 37.9 percent drop. Yet the $100,000-to-$1 million price bracket has shown surprising resilience, suggesting a return to collecting grounded in personal conviction rather than speculation.
This generational shift is being shaped by younger collectors influenced by luxury, pop culture and digital engagement. Regional dynamics are also shifting: the U.S. remains the largest market, but declines in China and the U.K. are reshaping the global scene, while the Middle East—particularly Saudi Arabia—is emerging as a new cultural force.
In the midst of these changes, certain names continue to rise. At David Zwirner, since the blue-chip gallery’s representation from February 2024, millennial generation Emma McIntyre has emerged as one of the top 7 most-searched artists in Artnet’s database, reflecting the growing influence of new voices within blue-chip institutions.
As Hong Kong’s art fairs, gallery openings, and auctions draw global attention, these events reflect a city in motion, where personal narratives, cultural heritage and political discourse, since the riots have been lessened, have converged. With international collectors and enthusiasts arriving in full force, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for the city’s art scene.
Featured image: Tai Kwun (Hong Kong)
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