Art

8 Must-See Kabinett Exhibits at Art Basel Hong Kong 2025

Discover the 8 must-see Kabinett exhibits at Art Basel Hong Kong 2025, featuring innovative solo exhibitions and thematic projects by global and Asia-Pacific artists.

Por: Angela Leon Cervera
Art Basel Hong Kong
Art Basel Hong Kong 2025. Courtesy of Art Basel

Art Basel Hong Kong 2025 is setting the stage for an unforgettable celebration of contemporary art, and one of the most anticipated sectors is Kabinett.

 

This intimate, thematic area within the fair hosts 36 curated presentations, the largest number in its history. Kabinett offers a deep dive into solo exhibitions and thematic projects that blend time, culture, and medium.

 

From regional trailblazers to global innovators, these eight must-see exhibits are defining the event.

Art Basel Hong Kong 2025
Bastian. Courtesy of Art Basel
Art Basel Hong Kong 2025
Art Basel Hong Kong 2025. Courtesy of Art Basel

What Makes Kabinett a Must-Visit at Art Basel Hong Kong?

Kabinett is more than just an exhibition space—it’s a world within a world. This sector offers a focused narrative where visitors can engage with an artist’s full creative journey or explore intricate themes.

 

With over half of the artists coming from the Asia-Pacific region, Kabinett demonstrates Art Basel’s commitment to showcasing regional talent alongside internationally recognized names.

Art Basel Hong Kong 2025
Bank. Courtesy of Art Basel

Spotlight on the Top Exhibits

  1. Vũ Dân Tân at 10 Chancery Lane Gallery
     Vietnamese artist Vũ Dân Tân is known for transforming currency into art, using his “Money for All Times” series to critique global politics and mythology. His Venus in Vietnam sculptures—miniature female figures encased in cigarette boxes—offer a bold commentary on contemporary culture.
  2. Martin Wong at P.P.O.W.
     This exhibit blends sociopolitical commentary with Queer identity symbols. Wong’s earthy textures and red-brick motifs bridge his early ceramics training with his later paintings, creating a layered exploration of form and texture.
  3. Ink Studio: ‘Ink Post-Mao’ and ‘Outsider Ink’
     This booth showcases groundbreaking Chinese ink works from the 1980s alongside contemporary pieces by underrepresented artists, celebrating ink as both a tradition and rebellion.
  4. Takahiro Kondo at Tokyo Gallery + BTAP
     Kondo’s porcelain pieces, featuring his signature “silver mist” glaze, explore the symbolism of water and life’s fragility through shimmering platinum and glass frit. His works offer a reflection on both physical and metaphysical themes.
  5. SC Gallery Debut: Chow Chun-fai
     Local artist Chow Chun-fai captures Hong Kong’s shifting socio-political landscape through cinematic compositions that feel both urgent and timeless. His debut at Kabinett promises to resonate deeply with the city’s layered history.
  6. Irma Frank at P420
     Frank’s retrospective explores the intersection of writing and drawing, revealing how text transforms into image and vice versa. This exhibit invites viewers to ponder the boundaries between language and art.
  7. Liu Dan at Ink Studio
     Renowned for his meticulous landscapes, Liu Dan offers a meditative journey through traditional Chinese ink painting, reinterpreted for contemporary audiences. His works speak to the absence as much as the presence.
  8. Emerging Voices in ‘Discoveries’ While not officially part of Kabinett, the MGM Discoveries Art Prize highlights emerging talents like Antonia Kuo and Sameer Kulavoor, whose works blur the lines between photography, painting, and urban narratives.
Art Basel Hong Kong 2025
Art Basel Hong Kong 2025. Courtesy of Art Basel

Why Kabinett Matters?

Kabinett is more than just a sector—it’s a dialogue between past and present, local and global. By focusing on solo presentations and thematic depth, Kabinett offers an intimate alternative to the grandeur of other sectors like Galleries or Encounters. This space challenges visitors to explore art beyond its surface, embracing diverse narratives and voices.

 

Kabinett at Art Basel Hong Kong 2025 is where innovative stories unfold—artists reimagining traditions, questioning norms, or simply offering new ways to see the world. Whether it’s Vũ Dân Tân’s playful critiques or Takahiro Kondo’s shimmering porcelains, these exhibits remind us why art fairs matter: they are not just events—they are transformative experiences.

All You Need to Know About Kabinett at Art Basel Hong Kong 2025

  • What is Kabinett at Art Basel? Kabinett is a curated sector at Art Basel featuring thematic presentations and solo exhibitions from participating galleries.
  • How many exhibits are in Kabinett this year? Kabinett 2025 hosts 36 projects, the largest number in its history.
  • Are all Kabinett exhibits by Asia-Pacific artists? No, while over half are from the Asia-Pacific region, Kabinett also features artists from around the world.
  • Is Kabinett open to all visitors? Yes, access to Kabinett is included with a general admission ticket to Art Basel Hong Kong.
  • What makes Kabinett unique compared to other sectors? Kabinett focuses on depth—offering solo presentations and thematic explorations that provide a more intimate experience than other sectors like Galleries or Encounters.

Don’t miss the chance to explore Kabinett at Art Basel Hong Kong 2025—an intimate, thought-provoking experience that offers a deeper look into contemporary art. Share this guide with fellow art lovers and discover more exciting highlights from Art Basel Hong Kong 2025 in our upcoming features!