Asia Now, an art fair held in Paris, is a celebration of contemporary Asian art. The 11th edition of the fair, titled “GROW,” showcases the work of close to 70 galleries from 28 territories across Asia. The event is curated in collaboration with institutions and curators from various parts of Asia, including the Lahore Biennale Foundation and COLOMBOSCOPE. The fair features installations, performances, children’s workshops, and discussions, creating a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.
One of the highlights of the fair was the booth of gallerist Lê Thiên-Bảo, who encouraged visitors to touch the fleshy ceramics of Vietnamese artist Hà My Nguyễn. This interactive approach added a unique element to the viewing experience. Despite the recent museum heist at La Monnaie de Paris, where the fair was held, the atmosphere remained undisturbed, with a diverse and engaged crowd in attendance.
A notable presentation at the fair was by gallerist Sahil Arora from Mumbai, who showcased Indian and Pakistani artists under the banner “We Were Always Neighbors.” The political situation in India and Pakistan often restricts the showing of artists from the respective countries, making Paris a neutral ground for such exhibitions. The response to Arora’s presentation was positive, with a cosmopolitan audience expressing curiosity and engaging in meaningful conversations.
The layout of the fair, with interconnected open-air courtyards, made navigation easy and enjoyable. The central court featured installations like Pascal Hachem’s “Threaded Whole,” a captivating assemblage of wooden furniture animated by dancers. The booths on the first floor benefited from a clearer layout and the historical charm of the venue, offering a more immersive experience for visitors. The view of the Seine from the windows added to the overall ambiance of the fair.
Upstairs, standout presentations included multimedia works by artists like Cemile Sahin, Iman Issa, and Maria Taniguchi. The booths of galleries like Esther Schipper and Carlier Gebauer offered elegant and thought-provoking displays, showcasing a diverse range of artistic voices. The fair had a soft hum rather than a buzz, but gallerists reported successful sales to international collectors and institutions.
As the fair drew to a close, curator Anissa Touati described it as a “fair, festival, and bank of ideas,” capturing the essence of Asia Now as a platform for creative exchange and exploration. The event provided a rich tapestry of contemporary Asian art, fostering connections and dialogue among artists, gallerists, and art enthusiasts.
