The Incredible Women of Art Basel Hong Kong

“While there are certainly great differences between the individual countries, Asia has experienced profound socio-political and economic changes during the past decades,” says Adeline Ooi, Director of Art Basel in Hong Kong. “Artists play a significant role as catalysts for change through expression of views and identity, holding up a mirror to society, to question, contemplate and reflect on our past, our present and our direction for the future.”

Industry insiders agree that the future looks increasingly rich with opportunities for women in the art world, promising a platform where they can speak their truth and receive due recognition for their work. “With the general ‘role’ of women in society changing – and not focused exclusively on marriage/motherhood – the acceptance and productivity of women in the art world is now encouraged, and I see that in the programs of galleries and museums,” says Yuri Yureeka Yasuda, CEO of the Tokyo Art Office. Lisa Schiff, founder and principal of SFA Art Advisory, also sees change afoot in terms of market value and museum representation for art made by women, and she believes that art remains an important communication tool: “Art allows entry into many difficult topics that are either too terrifying, too boring, or too threatening to deal with head-on. Art has agency and has long since been a place that gives a voice to women.”