Asia Art Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 15 Week of 19 May 2025
(1) Discover joy of art collecting at the Affordable Art Fair
The Affordable Art Fair returns to Hong Kong, featuring 98 exhibitors showcasing artworks under HK$100,000.
(2) Art connects hearts on both sides of the Pacific.
US and Chinese artists visited Xiaoling Tomb in Nanjing for the “Connecting Hearts Through Art” exhibition, showcasing contemporary ink paintings.
(3) Former Sotheby’s Chairman Mari-Claudia Jiménez Launches New Art and Advisory Practice at Withers.
Mari-Claudia Jiménez has launched Withers Art and Advisory, a legal-art advisory service aimed at providing collectors and institutions with integrated market insights and legal counsel, enhancing transparency in the art market.
(4) Hong Kong Museum of Art celebrates 5 millionth visitor since 2019 reopening
On 21st May 2025, the Hong Kong Museum of Art celebrated its 5 millionth visitor since reopening in 2019.
(1) Discover joy of art collecting at the Affordable Art Fair
(Photo Credit: SCMP)
The Affordable Art Fair is returning to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre for its 12th edition, aiming to democratise the art world. This year’s theme, “I Am an Art Collector,” features 98 exhibitors showcasing artworks priced under HK$100,000. The fair includes international representation from countries such as Australia, Britain, France, and the United States, with a strong presence from local galleries like Oi Ling Gallery and Laurence Lai Gallery.
In addition to the gallery booths, the fair’s Special Projects section explores themes of connection and identity. Installations include Li Shudan’s Fruit Market, where visitors can adopt hand-carved wooden fruits, and Jackie Case’s ATM Project, which allows visitors to purchase a “credit card” for HK$300 to receive a live sketch from a hidden artist. Another highlight is Angel Hui’s Auntie Angel Store, a nostalgic tribute to Hong Kong’s tuck shops, transformed into a ceramic art experience.
The fair will also feature the GREAT Art zone, curated by local artist Wong Ka-ying in partnership with the British consulate, showcasing works from the British Council’s extensive art collection. Additionally, the Hong Kong Design Institute will present an exhibition titled “Century of Glory – Kai Tak,” featuring 20 artworks by students and teachers, celebrating the cultural legacy of the Kai Tak area.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3310553/discover-joy-art-collecting-affordable-art-fair
(2) Art connects hearts on both sides of the Pacific.
(Photo of Connecting Hearts Through Art, in Nanjing provided to chinadaily.com.cn)
Xiaoling Tomb, located at the foot of Zijin Mountain in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, is the mausoleum of Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features architectural elements that exemplify imperial authority. Recently, a group of artists from the United States, alongside Chinese artists, visited the site, engaging in discussions about history and culture while enjoying the tranquil surroundings.
The US artists were in Nanjing for the exhibition “Connecting Hearts Through Art,” showcasing their contemporary ink paintings inspired by the classic style of local artists. The exhibition is held at the Yuan Contemporary Art Museum and runs until 15 June 2025, organised by the Jiangsu Chinese Painting Society and Abilene Christian University.
The artworks on display include genres such as mountain-and-water and flower-and-bird, reflecting a harmonious relationship between humans and nature. The US artists’ contributions feature prints, sculptures, and oil paintings, demonstrating their explorations of form and materials within the context of traditional Chinese art.
News Source: https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202505/16/WS6826eb1ba310a04af22bfde5.html
(3) Former Sotheby’s Chairman Mari-Claudia Jiménez Launches New Art and Advisory Practice at Withers.
(Photo Credit: Withers)
Mari-Claudia Jiménez, a well-known figure in the international art market, has joined global law firm Withers to launch a new legal-art advisory service called Withers Art and Advisory, based in New York. This initiative aims to provide collectors, estates, and institutions with both market advice and legal counsel regarding the acquisition and ownership of art.
Jiménez’s extensive background in both art and law positions her well for this role. Previously, she spent nearly a decade at Sotheby’s, where she held prominent positions, including chairman and president of the Americas. She has also been involved in significant art transactions, such as the sale of five Kazimir Malevich paintings and a US$106.5 million Picasso work, demonstrating her expertise in high-profile deals.
The new advisory service will combine real-time market insights with legal expertise, aiming to offer unbiased and ethically sound advice. Jiménez emphasises that her focus will be on collection management and sales rather than merely providing decorative recommendations. By establishing higher standards of advice, she hopes to enhance transparency and credibility for her clients.
News Source: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/market/mari-claudia-jimenez-art-law-and-advisory-withers-1234742515/
(4) Hong Kong Museum of Art celebrates 5 millionth visitor since 2019 reopening
(Photo Credit: Dimsum Daily)
On 21 May 2025, the Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA) celebrated a significant achievement by welcoming its 5 millionth visitor since its expansion and reopening in 2019. This milestone was marked by a special event where Anabelle Champagne, a university student from Canada, received a unique porcelain plate as a souvenir. The presentation was made by Ms. Manda Chan, the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, and included an exclusive guided tour led by Dr. Maria Mok, the Museum Director.
The HKMoA has become a cultural landmark in Hong Kong, attracting both local residents and tourists. Its contemporary architecture and extensive collections have earned it recognition as one of the top 100 art museums worldwide, according to “The Art Newspaper” in 2022, 2024, and 2025. In 2024 alone, the museum welcomed over 1.76 million visitors, a remarkable increase of more than 40% from the previous year.
The museum’s audience is diverse, comprising local visitors, Mainland Chinese tourists, and international guests, with each group contributing significantly to its patronage. Notably, a third of the visitors have returned, highlighting the museum’s lasting appeal. Additionally, over 60% of visitors are young people under 30, indicating that the HKMoA resonates well with a broad demographic.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/hong-kong-museum-of-art-celebrates-5-millionth-visitor-since-2019-reopening/
