When Hong Kong Became the Beating Heart of Art Basel’s Global Pulse

Few realize that Art Basel’s rise in Asia owes much to Adeline Ooi, who quietly transformed Hong Kong into a global art hub over the past decade. Under her guidance, Art Basel didn’t just expand its footprint—it rewrote the region’s role in the art world. Ooi’s leadership saw the fair bridge continents, introducing Asian collectors to Western galleries and spotlighting Asian artists for an international audience. She championed collaborations, from Tokyo’s Art Week to Singapore’s S.E.A. Focus, weaving a vibrant network across Asia. Her departure comes as Art Basel itself is in flux, with new directors stepping in across its flagship fairs and a major ownership shakeup in recent years. As Hong Kong’s art scene reawakens post-pandemic, Ooi’s legacy lingers in every gallery light and collector’s handshake—a reminder that the art world’s center can shift with the right vision. #ArtBasel #HongKongArt #AsianArtScene #Culture