• News
  • Jan 22, 2025

Art Basel Hong Kong Reveals Shortlist for Inaugural Prize and Further Highlights

Portraits of the artists shortlisted for Art Basel Hong Kong’s MGM Discoveries Art Prize: (left to right) SHIN MIN, KAYODE OJO, and SAJU KUNHAN. Courtesy Art Basel Hong Kong.

Two months ahead of its opening, Art Basel Hong Kong (ABHK) has announced the shortlist for its inaugural MGM Discoveries Art Prize, which was established this year to support emerging artists. The three nominees are: South Korean artist Shin Min, American photographer and sculptor Kayode Ojo, and Mumbai-based multimedia artist Saju Kunhan. 

An international jury of five leading art professionals selected the finalists, whose works explore intricate sociopolitical themes across various media. The winner, to be announced during ABHK in March, will receive a USD 50,000 cash prize (to be shared between the artist and the gallery representing them) as well as the opportunity to exhibit their work in Macau. 

Along with the shortlist, ABHK unveiled further details on the special sectors and week-long public program for its 2025 edition, which will take place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, and offsite at M+ and Tai Kwun. Art Basel and M+ have again collaborated on a new commission for the M+ Facade by Singapore-based Ho Tzu Nyen titled Night Charades (2025). This year’s Encounters sector—curated by Alexie Glass-Kantor—will feature 18 large-scale installations, while the Kabinett sector will spotlight 36 galleries, with a strong focus on artists from the Asia Pacific region.

Annette Meier is an editorial assistant at ArtAsiaPacific.

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