Hong Kong and Amsterdam are not immediately comparable, yet the association arises naturally. Two trading cities where international influences and local traditions continuously intersect.
Within the global art market, Hong Kong further strengthens its position. Major players such as Sotheby’s and Christie’s maintain a strong presence, and the city functions as a gateway between Asia and the West. With the participation of eight galleries, KunstRAI presents a compact selection of contemporary art from Hong Kong, supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO).
The participating galleries — Blue Lotus Gallery, Contemporary by Angela Li, JPS Gallery, Lucie Chang Fine Arts, SC Gallery, Soluna Fine Art, 3812 Gallery and 10 Chancery Lane Gallery — bring together artists with diverse backgrounds and working methods, moving between tradition and an international context. Many are based on Hong Kong Island, in areas such as Sheung Wan, Central and Wong Chuk Hang, where a strong gallery scene has developed in recent years.
Anothermountainman, Live Now 2 Now, 2022; Raymond Fung, 18 Shades in Ink, 2018; Thomas Ngan, courtesy of 3812 Gallery; Jeremy Fung, Errant Reverie, oil and mixed media on plywood, 64.5 × 64.5 × 5.5 cm, 2026, courtesy of SC Gallery
SC Gallery, founded in 2022 and located in Wong Chuk Hang, offers an experimental platform for local artists under the direction of Sharon Cheung Po-Wah, with a focus on installation and multimedia work. The artist Jeremy Fung describes his process using plywood and paint, creating smaller works specifically for this presentation. A standout is Jacky Tao’s Night Painting by Lamp, which draws on traditional ink techniques on Chinese paper. His self-portrait appears in each work, sometimes visible, sometimes almost hidden.
At 3812 Gallery, the emphasis lies on artists based in Hong Kong, with work connecting different generations and media. Thomas Fung’s paintings carry a romantic, almost classical tone, contrasted by the conceptual approach of Anothermountainman.
For those drawn to photography, Blue Lotus Gallery presents Hong Kong through images. From Fan Ho’s iconic black-and-white photography to contemporary work, a visual line emerges between past and present. At KunstRAI, Thomas Gust presents photographic works that are painted over, adding a second layer. Also present is Marcel Heijnen, known for capturing the cats of Sai Ying Pun, the neighbourhood with its dried seafood shops and a personal favourite.
Thomas Gust and his artwork, courtesy of Blue Lotus Gallery; several artists represented by Lucie Chang Fine Arts, Hong Kong; Wilson Shieh, courtesy of JPS Gallery
For Contemporary by Angela Li and Soluna Fine Art, the focus shifts to individual practices. Soluna presents a more restrained selection, bringing together different perspectives on identity and transformation.
JPS Gallery introduces Hong Kong-based artist Wilson Shieh, presenting a new work for his first exhibition in the Netherlands. His portraits combine figures with architectural landmarks. Regents of Contemporary Amsterdam Architecture (acrylic on canvas, 80 × 120 cm) draws on the group portrait Regents of the St. Elizabeth Hospital of Haarlem by Frans Hals. Traditional hats are replaced by contemporary buildings: Stedelijk Museum, nhow Amsterdam RAI, Sluishuis, NEMO Science Museum and The Whale Amsterdam.
Meeting the artists and gallery founders during the fair adds another layer to the experience. For many of these artists, this is a first presentation in the Netherlands. Much of the work reflects on heritage and a sense of belonging, seen here in a different context.
Images at KunstRAI by the author; other images courtesy of the galleries.
Discover:
Blue Lotus Gallery — www.bluelotus-gallery.com
JPS Gallery — www.jpsgallery.com
Lucie Chang Fine Arts — www.luciechangfinearts.com
SC Gallery — www.scgallery.art
3812 Gallery — www.3812gallery.com
Soluna Fine Art — www.solunafineart.com
10 Chancery Lane Gallery — www.10chancerylanegallery.com
Contemporary by Angela Li — www.cbal.com.hk
KunstRAI — www.kunstrai.nl
