Masterpiece organisers are determined to proceed with inaugurating its brand in Asia at the event, despite continuing public pro-democracy protests and police reaction.
As clashes with police began to turn violent in August, Masterpiece offered exhibitors the opportunity to cancel or to take part in the showcase.
“Given the current situation in Hong Kong, we have been discussing adjusting the format of the Pavilion with our participating galleries,” Masterpiece London managing director Lucie Kitchener told ATG.
“The initial concept for this year’s presentation was focused on gallery stands, which has now evolved to working with our exhibitors on a curated object-focused showcase in 2019. This will then be developed into a larger-scale gallery stand led presentation in Hong Kong at Fine Art Asia in 2020.”
Agnew's is taking this Cezanne picture to The Masterpiece Pavilion at Fine Art Asia 2019. 'La Vie des Champs', by Paul Cézanne, painted c1876-77. The oil on canvas measures 10.8 x 13.5in (27.6 x 35.2cm).
Some 15 dealers have agreed to exhibit a total of 25 works of art:
Agnews
Alan Wheatley Art
Apter-Fredericks
Alessandra Di Castro
Ben Brown Fine Art
Butchoff Antiques
Koopman Rare Art
Long-Sharp Gallery
Michael Goedhuis
Moussaieff Jewellers
Robilant + Voena
Ronald Phillips
Valerio Turchi
Waterhouse & Dodd
Yufuku Gallery
Among the lots appearing this year will be Paul Cézanne’s La Vie des Champs (painted c1876-77), from Agnews Gallery.
Butchoff Antiques was one of those exhibitors that had pulled out of exhibiting but agreed to take part in the showcase.
Ian Butchoff, who praised Masterpiece organisers for their handling of the challenges posed by the protests, said: “We are delighted to be sending pieces to be displayed in the Masterpiece Pavilion and look forward to having a full stand presence there in 2020.”
