Art Basel launches online viewing rooms after Hong Kong fair cancellation

Due to the coronavirus outbreak leading to the cancellation of its Hong Kong edition, Art Basel has launched online viewing rooms as a digital solution. This platform enables exhibitors to present artwork, with the initial version showcasing pieces intended for the Hong Kong fair at no charge to participants. Adeline Ooi, Art Basel's director for Asia, noted that while this initiative cannot substitute for the in-person event, it is designed to assist galleries impacted by the cancellation. The viewing rooms will be available to invited buyers starting 18 March for a VIP preview, followed by public access from 20 to 25 March. Details about the galleries involved will be revealed in the upcoming weeks, as organizers see these digital spaces complementing future physical fairs.