Art Basel Hong Kong, with its eclectic mix of contemporary, modern, and experimental art, has left an indelible mark on the global cultural landscape in 2026. Featuring 242 premier galleries from 36 countries, the artistic extravaganza has delivered a rich palette of creativity. The city buzzed with vibrant energy as collectors, celebrities, and art enthusiasts flocked to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Among the intriguing exhibits, we cherry-picked ten booths that excited the aesthetic senses and challenged intellectual boundaries.
1. Gagosian: Known for representing eminent artists, Gagosian has showcased an astounding light installation by seminal artist James Turrell. His immersive work, a multidimensional exploration of perception and space, transfixed viewers with its illusionistic depth.
2. David Zwirner: This gallery celebrated female minimalism. A highlight was the hypnotic installation ‘Womb’ by Yayoi Kusama, which explored themes of anxiety, obsession, and transcendence through repetitive forms lit by twinkling LED lights.
3. White Cube: With an exclusive solo presentation of Antony Gormley’s meditative sculptures, White Cube triumphed. Gormley’s work—centered around human forms—questioned distinctive notions of space and scale, mirroring the ubiquitous urban architecture of Hong Kong.
4. Hauser & Wirth: Displaying sculptures from the award-winning artist Isa Genzken’s ‘Schwarze Hydrangea’ series, Hauser & Wirth transfixed visitors. Genzken’s foreboding black mirrored columns reflected interpretations of Berlin’s post-war architecture.
5. Pace Gallery: Lee Ufan’s large scale minimalist creations from his ‘Dialogue’ series were a focal point within Pace Gallery’s booth. The South Korean minimalist artist’s serene works evoked a potent sense of silence and emptiness amidst the bustling fair.
6. Lehmann Maupin: Displayed remarkable works by artists like Nari Ward and Shirazeh Houshiary. Viewers were captivated by Ward’s colossal iron bead sculptures, reflecting on racial and cultural identity, while Houshiary’s subtle wall sculptures took breath away with their delicate play of light and shadow.
7. Perrotin: Presented an astounding group of works by artists like JR, Daniel Arsham, and Elmgreen & Dragset. Arsham’s crumbling architectural structures broke the barrier of time, creating an illusory space of nostalgia and prophecy.
8. Cheim & Read: Offered impressive works by Lynda Benglis and Jenny Holzer. Benglis’ colorful latex poured sculptures illuminated the booth, while Holzer’s LED texts questioned power structures with echos of her iconic ‘Truisms’.
9. Victoria Miro: Displayed mesmerizing watercolor tapestries by Chris Ofili and mirror-shine sculptures by Yayoi Kusama. Ofili’s work, deeply rooted in cultural and historical narratives, provided powerful commentary on the Black diaspora.
10. Sprueth Magers: Showcased evocative paintings by the Korean Dansaekhwa master, Lee Ufan. His beautifully muted surfaces, painted in neutral tones using natural materials, revealed the true essence of his native region.
Art Basel Hong Kong 2026 encapsulated the potent diversity and dynamism of the global art scene. The exhibitions offered not only a sensory feast but also a mental workout, inviting introspective examinations of our lives and society. Among these myriad artistic statements, the booths listed above left distinct impressions through their innovative thematic curation and impressive range of showcased artists, rendering the event an unforgettable spectacle of art.
Original Source: https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-10-best-booths-art-basel-hong-kong-2026
