Nikkei
This month, collectors, dealers and artists from around the world are descending onto Hong Kong, transforming the city into a massive exhibition space during what is now commonly referred to as "art month," which culminates this week with the annual Art Basel Hong Kong fair, the kickoff of spring auctions, gallery openings and related events.
Henrietta Tsui-Leung, the owner of Galerie Ora-Ora and founder of the Hong Kong Art Gallery Association, said her clients, too, are looking for more than just an investment.
"There are so many options in Hong Kong where you can make returns -- and much faster than art investment," Tsui-Leung said. "So most of my clients are more interested in art because of their growing interest" in the aesthetic pleasure it brings. She said the number of her clients from China is expanding rapidly and they are quickly educating themselves on contemporary art. "Just five years ago, you would see Chinese collectors or just interested parties, walking around, asking questions," she said. Now, they are actively collecting art.