Art Basel Hong Kong 2025: Where East and West meet in a dazzling celebration of contemporary art

Art Basel Hong Kong 2025 opened its doors yesterday, injecting a vibrant energy into the city's art scene. Entering the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre was like stepping into the beating heart of a magical world where artists, gallerists and smiling collectors strutted their stuff in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

With 240 galleries from 42 countries, the fair offers a wide spectrum of voices, styles and perspectives. A strong presence from the Asia-Pacific region reflects the fair’s growing importance as a cultural meeting point between East and West. And yet, despite its size and prestige, the atmosphere felt surprisingly relaxed. There was no rush or stress—just a sophisticated, quiet murmur. The VIP Lounge, with its expansive windows overlooking Victoria Harbour, was a serene haven to rest, enjoy the scenery and let the art settle in.

Mr. i la seva instal·lació. Kaikai Kiki Gallery

One of the big stars was the Lelong & Co. gallery, which attracted all eyes with a monumental 4.75-meter sculpture by the artist Jaume Plensa. Its meditative presence filled the space with quiet elegance. In the Kaikai Kiki gallery, charm reigned. The artist Mr. (Mister) spoke directly to visitors, filling the stand with warmth and proximity. It was a joyful, human and very authentic experience. The Mayoral gallery dazzled with a selection worthy of a museum, bringing together Latin American icons such as Fernando Botero and Wifredo Lam, alongside Spanish legends such as Picasso, Dalí, Miró and Juan Genovés. In the Continua gallery, a discreet back room revealed intimate treasures by Michelangelo Pistoletto and Antony Gormley, while a hanging sculpture by Anish Kapoor floated near the entrance, shining like an ethereal and magnetic star.

Beyond the art, there was an air of style and refinement. Visitors were impeccably dressed, and there was no shortage of Hermès and Chanel handbags strolling among the stands. Good manners, polite conversations and an atmosphere full of distinction turned the day into a kind of international salon: elegant, leisurely and carefully curated. This edition manages to intertwine the best of the Western art world with the best of the Eastern. Big names from China share the spotlight with international icons, in a cultural dialogue that is both rare and powerful.

Pistoletto i Lucio Fontana. Galleria Continua