HONG KONG.- The annual Hong Kong International Art and Antiques Fair (HKIAAF 09) was held in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 3 to 6 October 2009. Attended by 16,500 visitors from all over the world, HKIAAF 09 showcased almost 4,000 superb works of art, exhibited by some 60 leading Asian, European and American galleries. The fair achieved impressive sales of HK$230 million (US$29.5 million), an increase of 130% over last year.

HKIAAF 09 is now recognized as Asia’s premier art fair presenting a unique combination of Art and Antiques. This was the 5th fair organized by Art & Antique International Fair Ltd and once again the fair showcased a wide range of collecting categories, from Neolithic pottery and antique Himalayan bronzes through to modern and contemporary art.

Andy Hei, Founder and Director of HKIAAF, said: “We are delighted with the success of this year’s fair which provides an unrivalled platform for Art and Antiques in Asia. The unique nature of the fair, where the link between tradition and modernity can be seen and appreciated under one roof, continues to attract the enthusiastic participation of renowned international galleries. Robust sales this year reflect clear signs of recovery in the Asian art market. Chinese antiques of excellent quality and rarity showed a particularly outstanding performance.

The buying power of collectors from Mainland China remains very strong; we were also very encouraged to see new collectors attending the fair. The fair has now established a firm foundation as a key annual event in the Asian art world. We have confidence in the continued growth of the Asian art market in the long term and in Hong Kong as the centre of art business in Asia.”

This year HKIAAF 09 invited the National Museum of China to hold its first-ever exhibition in Hong Kong to introduce its history and development. Formerly known as the Museum of Chinese History, the National Museum is currently being renovated and extended. On completion in 2010, it will be the largest museum in the world.

The Hong Kong Museum of Art also staged a special exhibition at the fair; while the Ink Society of Hong Kong presented an exhibition entitled “Contemporary Ink: Introducing China’s New Generation of Ink Painters”.

Renowned international antiques specialists exhibiting at HKIAAF 09 included Robert Hall (UK), Rossi & Rossi (UK), Kaikodo (USA), Kankodo (Japan), Mehmet Hassan Asian Art (Thailand), M & C Gallery (Hong Kong), Martin Fung Ltd (Hong Kong), Maria Kiang Chinese Art (Hong Kong) and Jade Gallery (Hong Kong); alongside leading contemporary art galleries such as Alisan Fine Arts (Hong Kong), Sundaram Tagore Gallery (USA, Hong Kong), Kwai Fung Hin Art Gallery (Hong Kong), Galerie Ora-Ora (Hong Kong) and Grotto Fine Art (Hong Kong).

A wide range of Western and Asian artworks were on display in the 5,000 square meter exhibition space during the four-day fair. The Antiques section included ancient bronzes, Chinese ceramics and works of art, furniture, textiles and jades, while the Modern and Contemporary Art section featured exceptional works by celebrated artists in a diversity of artistic styles and media including paintings, sculpture, installations and photography.

An Academic Program of lectures and seminars by leading art experts from Hong Kong and overseas was held during the fair. Topics included contemporary sculpture, New Chinese Ink painting, jewellery art, the relationship between art and design, and Indian Modernist Art. The programme promoted art knowledge and appreciation, as well as providing an opportunity for discussion and dialogue on the latest developments in the global art scene.