For years a highly active and dynamic hub for artistic exchange, Hong Kong hosted a new Art Week led by the giant of art fairs, Art Basel, marked by economic recovery and multi-million sales by mega-galleries, but above all by activity in the mid-range segment of the art market. There was a certain caution and longer decision-making times among major collectors in attendance, mostly from the Asian scene. And while the island is trying to shake off the slowdown that held it back in the post-pandemic period—though the numbers do not yet fully support this—the new edition of Art Basel Hong Kong saw Italian galleries at the forefront, acting as ambassadors for art produced in Italy and its internationalization.
From Giorgio Morandi to Giosetta Fioroni, Italian art in Hong Kong museums with Galleria Maggiore
“Having built the market for Giorgio Morandi from scratch across the Asian region over the past 20 years, for us coming to Art Basel Hong Kong is always an opportunity to meet established Asian collectors and create new contacts in China, Australia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Korea,” commented Alessia Calarota of Galleria Maggiore g.a.m. in Bologna. “Of course, in past years we also experienced a period of fluctuation here, but in recent months, as in Europe, the art market has returned to being dynamic and energetic, especially for established names perceived as safe investments, with many collectors ready to acquire quality works—even by artists with a long history behind them who need to be repositioned on the international market, such as Massimo Campigli and Giosetta Fioroni.”
The Bologna gallery returns from Hong Kong with several important sales, including a Venezia by Giorgio de Chirico from 1950 selected by the Guwei Museum of Hong Kong, a Still Life by Giorgio Morandi from 1960, as well as Bambino solo by Giosetta Fioroni (1967) and Testa femminile by Massimo Campigli (1958), purchased by Hong Kong collectors.
Upon returning home, everyone will resume working—not only for their own businesses, of course, but also for Italian artists and for an idea of an art system and a country system for which it would be best if we all collectively took responsibility.
