Hong Kong Art Basel: it was way too much fun for families on public days, gallerists complain
They say parents were taking selfies in front of artworks, while some children were giving displays the rough treatment
Galleries exhibiting at art fairs last week might be thrilled by the multi-million dollar sales they achieved amid a gloomy market outlook, but the Hong Kong public’s new-found enthusiasm sent shivers down their spines.
Some gallerists at Art Basel said the fair was too packed during the three public days, and they were busy guarding the pricey artworks against families and children who were too eager to get close to them.
Art Basel Hong Kong sees off fears of art market slump, to relief of galleries
Some reported damage to works as overexcited children were running around the fair, while adults were busy posing for selfies with works on show.
“It was great to see the art fairs jam-packed and Hong Kong’s usual cultural apathy nowhere in sight. I applaud the Hong Kong public taking an interest in art,” said Jehan Chu, art adviser and director of Vermillion Art Collections.
“But I think visitors still need to learn how to respect the art on display. One set of parents I saw stood idly by while their child slapped several HK$3 million paintings like bongo drums.”
Chu added he also saw visitors treating sculptures resembling human skin the same way they treat humans. “No groping please,” he remarked.
Besides Art Basel, artworks on display at non-profit free exhibitions also came under attack.
