Art Basel Hong Kong 2026 is poised to captivate art enthusiasts with its most ambitious program yet, showcasing an impressive lineup of 240 galleries and introducing groundbreaking new sections. The fair will feature a revitalized "Encounters" segment, drawing inspiration from the ancient Chinese cosmological framework of the Five Elements, alongside the highly anticipated Asian premiere of "Zero 10," dedicated to digital art. This year's event promises an immersive experience that bridges traditional artistic expressions with cutting-edge digital innovations, solidifying Hong Kong's position as a vibrant hub in the international art world.
Art Basel Hong Kong 2026: An Unprecedented Artistic Journey Unfolds
From March 27 to 29, 2026, with exclusive preview days on March 25–26, the prestigious Art Basel Hong Kong will open its doors at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year, the fair presents an impressive roster of 240 galleries hailing from 42 countries and territories, with more than half of the participating exhibitors operating within the Asia-Pacific region, including 29 galleries based in Hong Kong.
A significant highlight of this edition is the reimagined "Encounters" section, meticulously curated by a distinguished team led by Mami Kataoka, the esteemed director of the Mori Art Museum in Tokyo. Collaborating with curators Isabella Tam, Alia Swastika, and Hirokazu Tokuyama, Kataoka's vision for "Encounters" is deeply rooted in the Five Elements—ether (space), water, fire, wind, and earth—an ancient Chinese cosmological framework. This section will feature 12 large-scale sculptures, installations, and performances strategically dispersed throughout the Convention Centre, designed to transcend traditional gallery displays.
Notable works in "Encounters" include Suki Seokyeong Kang's multimedia textile installation, representing space/ether (presented by Kukje Gallery), and Mumbai artist Parag Tandel's yarn-based installation, exploring ancestral ties to the sea (at Tarq). Masaomi Yasunaga will contribute glazed ceramic forms embodying fire (at Lisson Gallery), while Geraldine Javier's expansive eco-conscious fabric towers will evoke the essence of earth (at Silverlens). The experience extends beyond the main venue to Pacific Place’s Park Court, where Christine Sun Kim’s site-specific digital animation, A String of Echo Traps (2022–26), will be accompanied by a unique sound composition.
Making its debut in Asia, following a successful launch at Art Basel Miami Beach, is "Zero 10," a groundbreaking section dedicated to digital art. This innovative program will showcase 14 exhibitors, featuring an array of digital animations by DeeKay that delve into psychological states through the lens of early video games (presented by AOTM). A compelling fusion of AI, sculpture, installation, and traditional ink painting will be presented through works by Seneca, Qu Leilei, and Tim Yip (at Asprey Studio). Additionally, Robert Alice will unveil a participatory blockchain-based artwork (at Onkaos), pushing the boundaries of interactive art.
Film also receives fresh curatorial direction this year under the guidance of Ellen Pau, an influential Hong Kong media artist and curator. Co-founder of Videotage and artistic director of the Microwave International New Media Arts Festival, Pau will oversee a program that includes special screenings and artist talks. Ayoung Kim, fresh from a breakthrough 2025, will present Al-Mather Plot 1991 (2025), a work exploring personal, political, and historical narratives, alongside ikkibawiKrrr’s Dances with Trash (2024), an imaginative exploration of post-human existence using found objects.
Beyond the Convention Centre, the city's vibrant museums and art spaces will also come alive. M+ will host exhibitions dedicated to Robert Rauschenberg's connections to Asia, a retrospective of Ryuichi Sakamoto's work, and a survey of Lee Bul’s art. The museum's facade will also feature Shahzia Sikander’s animated epic, 3 to 12 Nautical Miles, offering an expanded artistic footprint across Hong Kong.
The 2026 edition of Art Basel Hong Kong represents a pivotal moment in the global art calendar. By embracing digital art and offering a deeply conceptual "Encounters" section rooted in ancient philosophy, the fair not only celebrates artistic innovation but also fosters a dialogue between diverse cultural perspectives. This comprehensive program, extending into the city's cultural institutions, promises a truly enriching and thought-provoking experience for collectors, artists, and art lovers alike, reaffirming art's power to connect, challenge, and inspire across borders and disciplines.