At Art Basel Hong Kong 2026, More Collectors are Buying with Purpose

Returning to Art Basel Hong Kong for the second time, Berry Campbell attracted plenty of attention with its presentation of long-overlooked American abstraction, particularly by women artists. “We’ve witnessed an incredible energy and a palpable buzz on the fair’s opening day, which has translated into a strong lineup of sales by artists such as Elaine De Kooning, Lynne Drexler, and Alice Baber,” co-owner Christine Berry told Observer. The six-figure sale of de Kooning’s Basketball #5 (1981) ahead of the artist’s upcoming exhibition at the New York gallery next fall confirms the continued market strength of women Abstract Expressionists in Asia. “Art Basel Hong Kong remains a critical platform for engaging collectors from the region and advancing our dedication to championing women artists on a global scale,” Berry added. Additional sales included Lynne Drexler’s Wax and Crayon on Paper ($40,000) and Alice Baber works ($275,000 and $25,000).

Demand was particularly strong for both blue-chip and emerging regional artists, with Korean gallery Johyun reporting 37 sales ranging from $9,000 to $180,000. Works by Dansaekhwa artists such as Park Seo-Bo, Kim Taek Sang and Lee Bae were among the top sellers. Jaewoo Choi, president of Johyun Gallery, told Observer that Art Basel Hong Kong remains a key platform for the gallery: “We had the opportunity to meet a diverse range of international collectors, including representatives from major Japanese foundations and leading Southeast Asia–based collectors. These encounters provided a meaningful opportunity to further expand our global collector network.”

– Elisa Carollo, Observer

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