Here’s the thing about emerging artists: they’re not emerging—they’re already here, pulling us into their orbit with force fields of ingenuity. Art Basel Hong Kong, which returns this March to its glossy digs at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, just announced the finalists for its inaugural MGM Discoveries Prize. And let me tell you, the shortlist is lean, sharp, and brimming with promise.
The three contenders? Shin Min from Seoul, Kayode Ojo from New York, and Saju Kunhan from Mumbai. These artists, each armed with distinct visions, were plucked from the fair’s Discoveries sector—a playground for solo projects by rising stars—and are now vying for $50,000 and a golden ticket to exhibit in Macau.
Let’s break it down.
Shin Min: The Alchemist of Collage and Sculpture
Represented by P21, Seoul, Shin Min turns the heavy topics of oppression, labor, and violence into tactile, haunting creations. Her collages and sculptures don’t just sit on pedestals; they bristle with intent, questioning the very structures we inhabit. If art is a mirror to the soul of society, Shin’s work smashes it and asks us to sift through the shards.
Kayode Ojo: Social Aspirations in Shimmering Frames
New York-based Kayode Ojo, showing with Sweetwater, Berlin, blends photography and sculpture into a critique-slash-love-letter to contemporary culture. His pieces are seductive, slick, and steeped in social aspirations—a perfect cocktail of allure and irony. Ojo’s work whispers, “Look closer,” but also warns, “Be careful what you wish for.”
Saju Kunhan: Painter of Migration and Memory
Mumbai’s Saju Kunhan, repped by Tarq, brings the personal and historical into his paintings, weaving stories of familial migration and identity. His brushstrokes evoke not just landscapes but the invisible currents of time and displacement. It’s history, but make it lyrical.
The Stakes
This isn’t just about the prize money, although $50,000—split between artist and gallery—is nothing to sneeze at. The real prize is visibility. The chance to exhibit in Macau, under the MGM umbrella, means stepping into a global spotlight. And let’s not ignore the glittery subtext: MGM China Holdings, known for its luxury casino-resort empire, has been backing Art Basel Hong Kong since 2017. The juxtaposition of emerging artistry and high-stakes luxury makes for an irresistible narrative.
The Jury
The panel selecting the winner reads like a who’s-who of art-world heavyweights: Aaron Cezar (Delfina Foundation), Antonia Carver (Art Jameel), Christopher K. Ho (Asia Art Archive), X Zhu-Nowell (Rockbund Art Museum), and Park Seungho (PARKSEOBO FOUNDATION). This jury isn’t messing around—they’re looking for work that punches through the noise, demanding to be seen and remembered.
Why It Matters
Art Basel’s Discoveries sector has always been a fertile ground for spotting tomorrow’s art stars. By launching the MGM Discoveries Prize, the fair is doubling down on its commitment to emerging artists, while also cementing its role as a cultural bridge between East and West.
So, who will take the prize? Shin Min’s fierce critiques, Kayode Ojo’s glossy provocations, or Saju Kunhan’s poetic reflections? Place your bets—this is Art Basel Hong Kong, after all.