At Hong Kong’s Art Basel, painter Chow Chun-fai’s new works transport viewers back to the night in 1997 when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule, displayed in the very exhibition center

The Chinese city faces economic and geopolitical pressures, but remains the region’s key cultural hub.

With Art Basel Hong Kong approaching, the gallerist discussed her thoughts on the city’s place in the Asian art world.

Hong Kong is kicking off its most popular sporting event the Rugby Sevens on Friday and hosting international art fair Art Basel as part of a tourism drive that authorities hope will boost visits to the Asian financial hub.

The city’s art scene stole the spotlight this week, revealing the force of a creative class intent on stitching together a more cohesive—and self-sustaining—local ecosystem.

With a focus on rediscovering the past, this year’s fair is showcasing works that challenge traditional narratives of art history.