What happens when artists combine artistic traditions rooted to specific historical contexts with a 21st-century sensibility? This discussion invites artists who are recasting ancient art forms to reflect on the histories contained within each tradition as well as on the narratives they are challenging or reframing by engaging with them today.
Shao Fan, artist
Citra Sasmita, artist
Moderated by Diana Campbell, Artistic Director, Bukhara Biennial 2025 ‘Recipes for Broken Hearts’
Shao Fan was born in 1964 to a Beijing family of artists and has lived there ever since. He started studying painting with his parents at a young age. His works have a clear independent and individual style. From deep within the spirit of Chinese culture and art, he brings forth a fascinating realm of the ‘old.’
Citra Sasmita is a contemporary artist renowned for her exploration of the myths and misconceptions surrounding Balinese art and culture. Her work critically examines the societal position of women and aims to dismantle established constructs of gender.
Diana Campbell is the Artistic Director of the Dhaka-based Samdani Art Foundation in Bangladesh and the Chief Curator of Dhaka Art Summit, having led its critically acclaimed editions from 2014 to 2023, and is currently envisioning the 7th edition. Concurrently, she is the Artistic Director of the inaugural edition of the Bukhara Biennial launching in September 2025 and Head of Global Initiatives of the Hartwig Art Foundation. Campbell writes extensively on indigeneity, art, and architecture.
The Art Basel Hong Kong 2025 Conversations program is curated by Stephanie Bailey.
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