Art Fairs, Hot Springs, and a New Pulse: Asia’s Art Scene Refuses to Stand Still

The Asian art world in 2024 is anything but predictable. India’s art market is surging, with the India Art Fair drawing over 100 exhibitors and a wave of Southeast Asian collectors. This growth is fueled by a rising middle class that now seeks meaning, not just decoration, in art purchases—a shift that signals deeper cultural engagement. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Art Week returned to full scale, but attendance and sales lagged behind last year, hinting at a more cautious collector base and fiercer competition from new regional fairs in Seoul, Singapore, and Tokyo. Yet, Hong Kong’s reputation as Asia’s art capital remains unshaken, poised for a rebound. In Japan, the quirky Onsen Confidential retreat wrapped up its final edition, blending hot springs with gallery collaborations to foster camaraderie over rivalry. And in Seoul, a fresh art fair, Art OnO, is making its debut, prioritizing quality and discovery over headline sales figures. From steamy baths to bold new fairs, Asia’s art world is rewriting its own rules—one unexpected move at a time. #AsianArt #ArtFairs #ContemporaryArt #Culture