Asia in focus as Art Basel Hong Kong returns

Works by Asian artists young and old will take centre stage when the arts world again descends on Hong Kong at the end of March.

Art Basel, the showcase international event that anchors a week of arts-related activity across Hong Kong, has announced the line-up for its Kabinett segment, which promises a set of 30 specially curated installations.

Among the big name artists taking part will be Yoko Ono, who brings her work Mirror Image (for Hong Kong), which made its debut at the Venice Biennale last year. Ono, an icon of the 1960s, has furnished a large oval mirror, chairs and a table, around which she "instructs visitors to interact with the work, providing a space for reflection and contemplation", according to organisers.

Hong Kong and Chinese artists, too, will see their work on display to the international audience that will jet in for the event, which runs from March 27 to March 31.

For example Long March Space's display will feature a virtual reality exhibit taking readers into the life of artist Yu Hong. Hong Kong's 'Frog King', Kwok Mang-ho, will re-stage his 1992 work Frog King Calligraphy Shop.

Organisers have also said one of the works of American contemporary artist Jeff Koons will be on display.

Beyond the confines of the Wan Chai Exhibition Centre venue, Art Basel will again work with other local outfits to take art across the city.

That includes the M+ museum of visual culture, which is showcasing local artist and composer Samson Young's work Songs For Disaster Relief World Tour at its M+ Pavilion in West Kowloon until May 6. That work also originated at the Venice Bienale.

Other collaborations include tie-ups with the Asia Art Archive (AAA), Para Site, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 1a space and the new H Queen's building in Central, which will house Asian outlets of several international galleries.

Meanwhile Art Central, Art Basel's homegrown competitor, takes place at the Central Harbourfront Events Space from March 27 to April 1.

And those who like to spend their leisure on something a little less refined needn't worry ... the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens returns April 6 to 8.