HONG KONG.- The second edition of INK ASIA was staged successfully from 16 to 18 December in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, with a Private Preview and Vernissage on 15 December.

The only international fair dedicated to modern and contemporary ink, INK ASIA 2016 hosted 50 leading international galleries and academic institutions from Hong Kong, Mainland China, Taiwan and beyond. The private preview was very popular and the fair attracted over 10,000 visitors during the four days. INK ASIA 2016 presented a range of high-quality ink works through gallery exhibitions, as well as panel discussions and academic exchange, resulting in the fair being viewed as the leading platform for contemporary ink art.

Founder and Director of INK ASIA, Calvin Hui said, “I hope INK ASIA can become the most significant platform for art exchange and art trade, as well as a bridge between the academic field and the art market. Through this professional and open platform, we can explore our cultural heritage and expand the spirit of ink art. Furthermore, we can have the opportunity to discuss the current and future trends of ink art and understand the global view, including similarities and differences of cultural values between East and West, opening up new possibilities for the art market.”

Robust sales delight exhibitors
One of the highlights of INK ASIA 2016 was the exhibition of new works by two contemporary ink masters Leung Kui Ting and Liu Kuosung presented by Hanart TZ Gallery. A major four-panel work “Vision” by Leung Kui Ting was collected by a museum during the private preview, while other works were also sold during the fair.

Works by artists presented by 3812 Gallery attracted many visitors, with an unprecedented 13 works sold in four days. These included four paintings by Taiwanese artist Pang Konglong, including his feature work Cloudiness priced at HK$500,000; two works from the Facing the Future series by Qu Leilei; and works by Wang Huangsheng, San Huoyao, Lin Guocheng, Yu Yang and Chloe Ho all found collectors at the fair.

Rong Bao Zhai (HK) Co., Ltd. recorded good sales again this year, with five works sold on the first day, and 14 in total during the fair, including pieces by Wong Hau Kwei, Kassia Ko, Raymond Fung Wing Kee and Yik Hang. Rasti Chinese Art also sold paintings by the Master of the Water, Pine and Stone Retreat and Wang Mansheng.

Art Experience Gallery sold a number of pieces, including the feature work Lost by Tu Yu Shou. Triumph Art Space sold two paintings by Wang Mengsha and Li Guanguan. Yan Gallery exhibited calligraphy works by Yang Mingyi, selling several. Grotto Fine Art showcased works by Hong Kong artists and recorded satisfying sales. Da Xiang Art Space continued its good performance from last year and sold many works. Pékin Fine Arts brought works by Mao Lizi and Huang Zhiyang to the fair and received enquiries from many collectors.

Galleries making their debut at the fair also achieved pleasing sales. Among galleries from Beijing, Amy Li Gallery sold many pieces, with works by Gao Qian, Jin Sha and Wang Jianwei proving great favourites with buyers. Ink Studio was very pleased with its sales and met a lot of new buyers. Hong Kong’s Galerie Ora-Ora sold Midnight Oil by Huang Dan, while works by Chan Kengtin and Zhang Yanzi also found collectors. Chelesa Art Co., Ltd. sold five works by Stewart Wong during the private preview, and 11 works in total during the fair. The booth of Blink Gallery was packed with visitors every day; besides sales, the gallery was happy to meet more clients and collectors. Works by renowned Japanese artists presented by Whitestone Gallery from Tokyo were very popular among visitors; a number of works by Kiro Uehara were sold to collectors. Korean gallery Space Namu also sold two works successfully, and they were happy about possible follow-up sales.

INK ASIA 2016 featured several special exhibitions on different themes. “Ink+”, featuring Hong Kong artists, became a focal point of the fair. The exhibited works were amazingly innovative and several were sold. “China Pavilion: Contemporary Calligraphy” featured works by five artists, Gu Wenda, Wang Dongling, Chen Guangwu, Zhang Hao and Jin Feng, of which the copper work Neo-Bronze Age No.3 by Jin Feng was successfully sold. Eherder Studio from Beijing achieved very impressive sales at their INK ASIA debut; the “Ink Life” concept of bringing design into daily life attracted a lot of visitors and most pieces were sold. Fan Art from the new section “SPOTLIGHT” this year sold a painting by Fan Lee for HK$80,000, which was the upper price limit for this section. Fei Gallery sold several works by Lin Yusi on the last day of the fair. vfxNova presented artworks involving 3D and digital techniques, with artist Victor Wong explaining his creative works to visitors and attracting a crowd to the booth.

Positive response from all sides
Aiming to constantly improve the fair, as well as recruiting renowned galleries, the organiser also curated a series of special exhibitions, presenting a diverse range of ink art to visitors. As a result, compliments on the fair were received from both gallery owners and artists.

Ms Meg Maggio, Director of Pékin Fine Arts from Beijing and Hong Kong, said “I think INK ASIA is more professional than other art fairs, visitors have a fundamental understanding towards ink art in general. We are very satisfied with the professional idea and atmosphere of the fair. This year is my second time participating in the fair, we can see that the organiser has done serious preparation which made the fair better than last year. I am willing to participate again next year.”

Ms Chen Hsiao-Chun, General Manager of Xizhitang Gallery, Taipei, said “I can tell that the organisers have put a lot of effort into establishing INK ASIA, the first fair in the world specialising in Chinese ink. I have confidence that they have a long-term framework and strategic development plan for the fair.”

Ms Amy Li, Director of Amy Li Gallery, praised INK ASIA 2016: “The fair is very focused and sophisticated. Everything is very good, including the set-up of the venue, the management, the organising team, our neighbouring galleries and the frequency of visitors.”

Dr Wang Huangsheng, Director of the Central Academy of Fine Arts Art Museum, Beijing, said “Hong Kong needs to have its own cultural brand, and INK ASIA is a major breakthrough. After INK ASIA was inaugurated in the Hong Kong cultural scene, it influenced the ink market of mainland China and Taiwan. This starting point and confidence are very important, because INK ASIA is able to draw new attention to ink art in Hong Kong, advancing the development of the ink world from the perspective of contemporary ink.”