THE second annual Art Basel Hong Kong kicked off Wednesday, taking over Hong Kong with more than 100 events. Aficionados from around the world are flocking to the city as preparations for dozens of Basel art events get underway.

    Two hundred and forty five premier galleries from 39 countries and regions are taking part in this world-renowned art show. The fair will maintain a strong Asian presence: about half of the exhibitors are from the Asia-Pacific Region. Among them, 25 are based in Hong Kong or have offices in the city. A dozen American galleries are also taking part, along with first-timers from Saudi Arabia and Norway.

    Apart from displaying artworks at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center (HKCEC), the organizer is featuring for the first time in Hong Kong a special program — Film, which is being held in the Hong Kong Arts Center.

    Curated by Chinese mainland multi-media artist Li Zhenhua, Film is a section dedicated to films by and about artists. Works by 41 artists will be screened at the Hong Kong Arts Center, including those presented by international artists such as Takashi Ishida, Dinh Q. Le and Hong Kong artists Kwan Sheung-chi and Christopher Doyle.

    The art show is also exhibiting German artist Carsten Nicolai’s big-scale outdoor installation artwork Alpha Pulse from Thursday to Sunday, when light patterns will pulsate in a synchronized frequency across the entire facade of Hong Kong’s iconic 490-meter-high International Commerce Center on the Kowloon harbor front. Like a lighthouse, the building will send its pulses into the city, reaching out to members of the public.

    Magnus Renfrew, director of Asia’s Art Basel, said it was his aim to extend and share art with a wide range of people, and showcasing Alpha Pulse was the first step. They are planning to do more outdoor exhibitions in the coming years. The show attracted 60,000 visitors last year.

    The show is open to the public from Thursday to Sunday.(SD-Agencies)

    WHILE Basel has prepared an impressive schedule of artist talks, public art displays, and exhibitions in addition to its main event held at the HKCEC, local galleries and businesses are peppering the week with their own celebrations of art.

    With a slew of official, unofficial and underground events happing across Hong Kong, here is a breakdown of how you can enjoy the much-anticipated annual event this weekend, whether you’re a local, a tourist, or an art connoisseur.

    Friday, May 16

    With Basel still in full swing, two other important events launch Friday. Another fair, located in yet another hotel, opens Friday. The Hong Kong Contemporary Art Fair, housed in The Excelsior Hotel, focuses on more accessible modern art from around the world, and with tickets starting at HK$50 (US$6.45), it’s worth a visit (May 16 to 19).

    Following the art fair, head east to the Chai Wan Mei Open Studios. Located in the fast-growing center of Hong Kong’s creative scene, the industrial area is home to a number of innovative galleries, artist studios, and secret shops, such as a vertical gallery space in a warehouse stairwell. Organizers are offering a round trip shuttle bus from the HKCEC.

    Saturday, May 17

    Saturday marks the last day for Basel’s Conversations and afternoon Salon panels, but have no fear, it’s actually when Hong Kong celebrates International Museum Day. Take the Star Ferry across the harbor to the Hong Kong Museum of Art for an impressive display of 120 artworks by celebrated Taiwanese sculptor Ju Ming. On show are works made of wood, bronze, stainless steel, and more (HK$20, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon).

    If you want to stay island side, here are two great options: First, be sure to take some time to visit the Hong Kong Arts Center Open House (HKAC). The HKAC houses a theater, restaurants, several galleries, indie clothing shops, and a well-stocked bookstore to keep you busy for hours (Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., 2 Harbor Road, Wanchai).

    Second, the Asia Art Archive is hosting a live war of words. Presented by artists-in-residence C&G (Clara and Gum), the event will be a parody of the local education system — in a quiz show format — pitting different local artists and their teams against each other over knowledge of Hong Kong’s local contemporary art scene. An impressive list of contestants has been arranged, including Hong Kong artists Kacey Wong, Leung Mee-ping and Law Man-lok. The Quiz will be in Cantonese, but will feature live commentary by sound and performance artist Samson Young.

    Sunday, May 18

    As the week comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to veg out and reflect on the action-packed week you’ve had. Luckily, the Mandarin Oriental, Art Basel’s official host hotel, has a few things to help you relax. Of note are Art Chocolates, on sale in The Mandarin Cake Shop, featuring edible art supplies in the form of brushes and palettes, as well as Art Cocktails in the M Bar, featuring drinks inspired by Art Basel Hong Kong (5 Connaught Road, Central).

    (SD-Agencies)