Back for its 11th edition, the Affordable Art Fair returns to Hong Kong from May 16 to May 19, 2024.
This year, the Fair is themed “I am an art collector,” emphasising its role in providing first-time art collectors the opportunity to purchase artworks for under THB 473,000. This will also mark the 25th anniversary of the international Affordable Art Fair, celebrating its support for the art ecosystem and fostering up-and-coming artists.
“We believe collecting art should not be unreachable,” said Regina Zhang, Fair Director. “Affordable Art Fair has been a very uniquely fun, approachable, and transparent platform that democratises the art world for all. If you aspire to be an art collector, this is the fair to go to.”
Over 90 international and local galleries and emerging artists will be showcasing thousands of contemporary artworks. Highlights of Affordable Art Fair’s programme this year include the Special Project and Young Talent Hong Kong, spotlighting established and rising artists alike. Family-friendly experiences will also be available, igniting a passion for art in the younger generation.
Special Project
In Special Project, artists from different disciplines come together to create six exclusive large-scale installations and experiences for Fair visitors. Delve into the local side-alley bars with Jonathan Jay Lee’s speakeasy bar “Neon,” featuring the Sham Shui Po neighbourhood and Hong Kong-inspired cocktails crafted by Kiyoshi Hoshimi-Caines, previously of Yardbird and RONIN, co-presented with the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
“A Feast of Chinese Ink Painting” features five artists, each bringing their take on the medium. Keep an eye out for live paintings by Cai Tianmei conducted on-site at the “dining table” every morning and afternoon. Algeria-born artist Ceet Fouad will be adorning a wall with his signature “chicanos” or chicken figures in his own Special Project to provide a satirical commentary on today’s society and demonstrate the power of graffiti to connect with people.
Other Special Projects at Affordable Art Fair include Ewan David Eason with TAG Fine Arts’ “Season’s Change,” where Eason’s lenticular leaves evoke the changing of seasons as visitors walk past. Sanctum Gallery will showcase a 3D rendition inspired by Keith Ancog’s Envisage, drawing visitors to appreciate spontaneity and free-spirited living. Korean artist ChanBoo Jung creates his signature bear sculptures with discarded straws which, to him, resemble seeds.
Young Talent Hong Kong
Affordable Art Fair’s Young Talent Hong Kong uplifts seven local artists in “Landscape Mindscape,” curated by Peony Hung. The exhibition is separated into three distinct spaces: the royal azure room, the rust-red room, and the timeless white room. In each room, the artists showcase their personal narratives and perspectives through their mediums.
The participating artists include Apple Cheng Wing Yee, who explores the personas and settings of cartoon characters, urban lifestyles, and landscapes through oil paintings; Edmond Li Suen Wai, a calligraphy teacher who teaches around Hong Kong; Irene Lee See-Wing, who specializes in screen printing and mono printing; and Peony Hung Po-pop, who translates everyday moments and surroundings into poetic expressions and paintings.
They will be joined by Rylee Tsang Tsz-Wan, who explores interpersonal relationships through ceramic artworks; Scott Chan Kin-Yip, who explores different materials and mediums while drawing inspiration from street culture and skateboarding; and Wallis Chung Wing-Sze, who uses pastel colours to create a surreal childhood-like experience for viewers while diving into the uncanny features of the cityscape.
Family-friendly activities
Affordable Art Fair collaborates with various partners to provide fun, family-friendly activities for guests. Together with Art Loop, children aged 4–12 years old can take part in educational art tours and workshops, where they can learn to appreciate art and develop critical thinking skills, as well as create their own mini project that will be showcased at the Fair. Families can also enjoy on-site photo-taking services by Venture Studios at their booth, with proceeds going to Mother’s Choice.
How to get tickets to Affordable Art Fair?
Tickets can be purchased online at Eventbrite. During the advanced online sales period until May 15, Opening Night & Fair Passes (valid from May 16–19) are priced at THB 1,610, General Admission tickets are priced at THB 923, while Concession tickets (for senior citizens aged 65 or above and full-time students) are priced at THB 686. Add-ons like the Children’s Art Tour with Art Loop, Jonathan Jay Lee’s speakeasy bar “Neon,” and Art Consultant Service are also available at Eventbrite.
Those purchasing two tickets or more can enjoy the Family Morning promotion, where each ticket gets discounted to THB 852. Take note that children under 16 years old can enter the Fair for free accompanied by an adult with an invitation or paid ticket. Tickets will also be available at the door from May 16–19 with prices marked up by roughly 10%. Buy your tickets to Affordable Art Fair while you can still enjoy the discount!
[Hero and featured image credit: Affordable Art Fair]
Johanna Muliani
Editorial Assistant, Dining and Culture
An Indonesian enamoured with the sights of Hong Kong, Jo is a curious spirit who loves telling stories with a focus on Art, People, and F&B. After work, you'll find Jo knitting, dabbling in gaming, and looking for where to eat next.
