Cover Alan Lau hosted a sunset cocktail on the first public opening day of Art Basel Hong Kong
Alan Lau hosted a sunset cocktail on the first public opening day of Art Basel Hong Kong
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Alan Lau, Inna Rodchenko-Highfield and Jehan Chu were among the notable members of the digital arts community who attended the event
When? March 28, 2024
Where? Art Basel Hong Kong, Level 1 Balcony, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Who? Alan Lau, Jehan Chu, Gillian Howard
Here’s what you missed: On the evening of the first day that Art Basel opened to the public this year, Alan Lau, the vice-chair of M+, co-hosted an exclusive Sunset Cocktail Reception to celebrate the international digital arts community. With a view of Victoria Harbour—and a gorgeous sunset—guests mingled and raised a toast to the opening of Art Basel, which has returned to its pre-pandemic scale this year. "It's a good thing it's a sunset cocktail and not a typhoon cocktail, that could have really happened," Lau joked in his speech. On a more serious note, he expressed his excitement for re-connecting with members of the international art community who flew into town for the fair and art week. "Hong Kong is not only an arts centre, but it also a digital arts centre," said Lau.
In case you missed it: Princess Alia Al-Senussi on what guests can expect from art month’s hottest party, how it benefits the community and supports Hong Kong’s art scene
Lau and Siyang-Le toast to celebrate the opening of Art Basel Hong Kong and the digital arts community (Photo: Wilfred Au)
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The evening of connection and conversation kicked off with guests sipping cocktails and a welcome note by Alan Lau and Art Basel Hong Kong's Director, Angelle Siyang-Le, who also welcomed guests and addressed the significance and growth of digital art and its community, highlighting that the definition of digital art is constantly expanding, "It's not only film, video works, or NFTs. It's also generative and AI works. I remember Alan once said that it's about the concept behind the work, It's more important to build dialogue through art." Siyang-Le also announced that Lau had officially become a member of their Global Patron Council, which consists of 185 leading private collectors from around the world. Lau additionally spoke about the importance of collaboration in the collecting community, saying that "the traditional art collector doesn't typically share what they collect, but this (digital arts) community does and makes it feel more like a real community in that way."
Notable members from the arts and Tatler community who gathered to support the event included host Alan Lau, Jehan Chu, Gillian Howard, Inna Rodchenko-Highfield, and Princess Alia El-Senussi.
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Aaina was the Arts and Culture Editor of Tatler Asia. A passion for history and all things visual led her in the pursuit of art history. With extensive experience in the art world working for a range of art institutions, she combined her passion and expertise in the form of art and culture journalism. Prior to Tatler, Aaina worked as a culture reporter for South China Morning Post and editor at the online art platform Cobo Social. Additionally, she has contributed to a variety of prestigious art publications including Art Review, The Art Newspaper, Ocula, Art Agenda, Artsy, Design Anthology, and Artomity. Follow her on Instagram.
