Asia Art Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 6 Week of 17 March 2025
(1) Ai Weiwei at SAM: Passion, playfulness, and protest on parade
The Seattle Art Museum is presenting the “Ai, Rebel” exhibit, the first in its history to showcase Ai Weiwei across all three campuses, featuring significant works like his jail cell recreation, “Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn,” and large-scale LEGO and zodiac sculptures.
(2) Can Hong Kong Maintain Its Status as Asia’s Art Hub?
Hong Kong faces geopolitical and economic pressures affecting trade and its art scene, yet it remains a vital marketplace for high-value artworks in Asia.
(3) A night of digital frontiers and sonic exploration in Hong Kong
At Tai Kwun Contemporary’s ‘Artists’ Night’, experimental performances and digital art transform a former prison into a futuristic playground.
(4) M+ unveils major Picasso show in Hong Kong
The exhibition ‘Picasso for Asia: A Conversation’ at M+ features over 60 works by Picasso alongside 80 pieces by Asian artists, exploring his influence through a contemporary Asian lens.
(1) Ai Weiwei at SAM: Passion, playfulness, and protest on parade
(Photo Credit: Elizabeth Russell)
Ai Weiwei, the prominent Chinese artist, is being showcased by the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) in the “Ai, Rebel” exhibit, which is the first time in SAM’s history that one artist is featured across all three campuses. The exhibit includes a recreation of the jail cell where Ai Weiwei was detained for 81 days, highlighting his experiences with the Chinese government.
The downtown SAM location features some of Ai Weiwei’s most famous works, including “Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn” and “Snake Ceiling.” The Seattle Asian Art Museum focuses on his large LEGO version of Monet’s “Water Lilies,” while the Olympic Sculpture Park displays “Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads,” which consists of 12 sculptures representing the Chinese zodiac.
The installation required significant logistical coordination and physical effort from the SAM staff to assemble the large and heavy works, reflecting the ambition of presenting a comprehensive exhibition across multiple sites.
News Source: https://nwasianweekly.com/2025/03/ai-weiwei-at-sam-passion-playfulness-and-protest-on-parade/
(2) Can Hong Kong Maintain Its Status as Asia’s Art Hub?
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
Hong Kong’s status as a hub for international trade has been increasingly questioned amid a crackdown on dissent and global economic challenges. The ongoing U.S.-China trade war has further complicated matters, with the U.S. including Hong Kong in its definition of “products of Chinese origin.” This has led some shipping companies to exit the region to avoid tensions, affecting local businesses, including Li Ka-shing’s empire, which has highlighted geopolitical risks impacting global trade.
The Hong Kong art scene is also feeling the strain, with events like Photofair and the March edition of Digital Art Fair being cancelled due to funding issues. The West Kowloon Cultural District anticipates a significant budget deficit, and the Chinese art market is struggling, with auction sales plummeting by 46.1 percent in 2024.
Despite the challenges, Hong Kong remains the primary marketplace for high-value works in Asia. Many dealers still depend on the fair week for business, with major auction houses like Christie’s and Sotheby’s aligning their sales with Art Basel. While the market has cooled, collectors continue to engage at lower price points, seeking fresh and unique works. Dealers assert that no other city can match Hong Kong’s significance as a central meeting place for the region’s art community.
News Source: https://news.artnet.com/market/can-hong-kong-maintain-art-hub-status-2622896
(3) A night of digital frontiers and sonic exploration in Hong Kong
(Photo Credit: Art Basel)
Tai Kwun’s ‘Artists’ Night’ on 28 March 2025 will present a vibrant celebration of digital frontiers and sonic exploration, transforming the historic venue into a dynamic space for artistic expression. Set within the 19th-century prison and police complex, the event will feature a range of live performances and installations that merge technology with contemporary art.
Throughout the evening, attendees can expect a variety of experimental performances that explore the intersection of sound, technology, and visual art. These interactive experiences will invite participants to engage actively with the art, fostering connections between the audience and the digital realm. The diverse programming reflects a commitment to showcasing emerging and experimental talent, highlighting the evolving nature of the art scene in Hong Kong.
In addition to performances, the event will provide opportunities for visitors to explore thought-provoking installations that challenge perceptions of identity, technology, and human experience. As part of a week-long art celebration, ‘Artists’ Night’ underscores Tai Kwun’s role as a leading cultural hub, promoting innovative practices that resonate with the contemporary landscape and encouraging dialogue around the future of art in the digital age.
News Source: https://www.artbasel.com/stories/art-basel-hong-kong-2025-tai-kwun-artists-night-event
(4) M+ unveils major Picasso show in Hong Kong
(Photo Credit: Art Basel)
The exhibition ‘Picasso for Asia: A Conversation’ at M+, showcasing over 60 works by Pablo Picasso on loan from the Musée national Picasso-Paris, alongside around 80 works by Asian and Asian-diasporic artists. This unique presentation examines Picasso’s art through a contemporary Asian perspective, aiming to provide a circular view that deviates from traditional Western interpretations.
One of the highlights is the installation Guernica in Sand by Lee Mingwei, which recreates Picasso’s iconic Guernica using six tons of sand. Audiences are invited to walk on the sand drawing, which is then transformed and erased, emphasising the theme of transformation rather than fixation on the past. The exhibition features a range of Picasso’s works, from early realist portraits to later vibrant compositions, reflecting the evolution of his artistic style.
Additionally, the exhibition includes responses to Picasso from various Asian artists, highlighting his influence across cultures. Significant works such as Massacre in Korea (1951) demonstrate Picasso’s engagement with political themes, while contemporary interpretations, including Simon Fujiwara’s Who vs Who vs Who? (A Picture of a Massacre) (2024), further explore the ongoing relevance of Picasso’s legacy. The show aims to provoke critical questions about Picasso’s enduring influence and the multifaceted nature of his work, providing a comprehensive appraisal of his contributions to art.
News Source: https://www.artbasel.com/stories/m–picasso-show-hong-kong
