As the first half of 2024 comes to a close, Boom Art believes it’s the perfect time to curate a list of the top ten standout artists from Phillips Hong Kong auctions. Which emerging artists have made their mark on the auction scene this year? Who has broken boundaries with their distinctive styles and rapidly risen to prominence? This selection, according to Hong Long Art, highlights ten exceptional emerging artists from the first half of 2024, including six from Asia and four from the West, showcasing the diverse tastes of Asian collectors in both modern and contemporary art.
Phillips’ new Asian headquarters, photographed by Otto Ng, designed by LAAB Architects.
Jean-Michel Basquiat
The Amorous Hunt, 1982
Price: HKD 98,735,000
31 May, Modern and Contemporary Art Evening Sale, Hong Kong
In the first half of 2024, the late legendary artist Jean-Michel Basquiat continued to make waves in the international auction scene. Notably, his work Untitled (Warrior) achieved the highest sale across global auction houses and categories at the Sotheby’s New York auction in May. Additionally, another masterpiece of his, The Amorous Hunt, sold for nearly HKD 99 million at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, making it the highest-priced lot of the Hong Kong spring auctions across all auction houses and categories. This further cements Basquiat’s remarkable auction record.
Yayoi Kusama
Infinity Nets (ZGHEB), 2007
Price: HKD 25,860,000
31 May, Modern and Contemporary Art Evening Sale, Hong Kong
Yayoi Kusama, a near-annual fixture on the art market, remains one of the world’s most expensive female artists. This year, at the Phillips spring auction, her iconic works—ranging from pumpkins and polka dots to infinity nets—achieved impressive results. Notably, her 2007 piece Infinity Nets (ZGHEB) sold for nearly HKD 26 million, setting a new auction record for works of the same size in the Infinity Nets series.
Banksy
The Cheetah and the Sheep, 2016
Price: HKD 36,750,000
31 May, Modern and Contemporary Art Evening Sale, Hong Kong
The elusive British street artist Banksy, renowned for his anonymity, has recently debuted two new pieces on the streets of London. These works have been interpreted as commentary on current social unrest, generating significant discussion within the art community and beyond. Banksy remains a dominant figure in auctions, with his innovative approach resonating with our own ethos. A standout at this year’s Hong Kong spring auctions was Banksy’s Cheetah and Sheep, which was first displayed at the Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem, near the Gaza-Israel barrier. This piece, notable for its profound context, ultimately sold for double its pre-auction estimate after a competitive bidding process.
Yoshitomo Nara
No Reason, 1995
Price: HKD 4,826,000
1 June, Modern and Contemporary Art Day Sale, Hong Kong
Yoshitomo Nara’s rise to prominence is not a recent phenomenon; he has consistently been a leading figure in annual auction listings and has frequently set new records over the past two years. His most iconic paintings, as well as more accessible prints, drawings, and sculptures, continue to be highly sought after by collectors across Asia. Recent solo exhibitions at some of the world’s most prestigious institutions have further cemented his unparalleled influence in the art world. Currently, his major European exhibition is being held at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain.
Zao Wou-Ki
25.11.81, 1981
Price: HKD 11,945,000
1 June, Modern and Contemporary Art Day Sale, Hong Kong
Zao Wou-Ki, a truly global artist and cultural icon, has his works held in over 150 public collections across 200 countries, underscoring his significant role in art history and his unparalleled impact on the shaping and defining of contemporary art. His pieces are also highly sought after in the auction market and are widely acclaimed by renowned collectors.
KAWS
Compensation to Nature, 2010
Price: HKD 5,969,000
31 May, Modern and Contemporary Art Evening Sale, Hong Kong
KAWS excels in both fine art and popular culture, seamlessly showcasing his distinctive identity across various artistic ventures. His reputation is highly esteemed among collectors and institutions alike. Not only has he garnered critical acclaim and become a favourite in the auction market, but he has also collaborated with numerous renowned brands. His work enjoys widespread popularity and consistently ranks highly in recent auction listings.
Park Seo-Bo
Drawing No. 67-78-79, 2011
Price: HKD 4,191,000
31 May, Modern and Contemporary Art Evening Sale, Hong Kong
This year, the Asian art market has embraced a wave of “Korean Monochrome” painting, drawing significant attention to the works of leading monochrome artists. Notably, Park Seo-Bo, recognized as the “father of Korean monochrome painting,” has made his debut in Phillips’ top ten artists list. Emerging in the 1970s, the Korean monochrome painting movement represents a pivotal moment in Korean contemporary art and holds a prominent place in the global art scene. Although it shares formal similarities with Western minimalism, it is deeply rooted in unique East Asian experiences and philosophies. Park Seo-Bo’s works achieved notable success in Phillips’ auctions this year, with all his pieces selling to strong results.
Huang Yuxing
Bubble, 2018-2019
Price: HKD 3,048,000
31 May, Modern and Contemporary Art Evening Sale, Hong Kong
Another artist making his debut in Phillips’ top ten Asian artists list is Huang Yuxing, born after 1970. His work has become a hot commodity in recent years, earning him a reputation as a blue-chip artist in the Chinese contemporary art market. Huang’s signature “Bubble” series captivates viewers with its immersive visual effects, featuring layers of subtle shapes and colors that create a richly stimulating sensory experience.
Ayako Rokkaku
Untitled ARP19-016, 2019
Price: HKD 2,921,000
1 June, Modern and Contemporary Art Day Sale, Hong Kong
Ayako Rokkaku’s “Innocence” art style has recently gained significant attention in the auction market. Her work first entered the international scene in 2018 through Phillips’ Hong Kong exhibition, Endless Color: Sam Francis, Ding Yi, and Ayako Rokkaku, where it sold out on the opening day. Since then, the demand for her pieces has surged dramatically.
Lucy Bull
Jaw Slam, 2019
Price: HKD 3,556,000
31 May, Modern and Contemporary Art Evening Sale, Hong Kong
As one of the most dazzling new stars in contemporary art, Lucy Bull, a “90s” artist, is the youngest on this list. Since earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2012, her work has gained widespread acclaim for its vibrant energy and psychedelic qualities. Her paintings evoke a sense of enigmatic depth akin to surrealist landscapes, with loose brushstrokes that reflect a meditative process between spontaneity and thoughtful deliberation. Despite her youth, Bull has set multiple auction records in recent years, and her work is now held in the collections of numerous prestigious international art institutions.
These artists not only dominate the market but also reflect the broad interest of Asian collectors in various artistic styles and periods. With the autumn auctions on the horizon, we look forward to even more remarkable pieces.
Source: Who are the top 10 most popular artists in Phillips Asia for the first half of 2024?
Boom Art Associate 
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