This edition of State of Play, part of Artnet Pro's Asia Pivot newsletter, reports on recent developments across Asia's art world. Taipei Dangdai Art and Ideas and Art Busan both concluded with slower sales and reduced attendance, citing economic and geopolitical uncertainty. Meanwhile, Art Basel announced a new fair in Doha for February 2026, and more Asian galleries are opening spaces in New York. In institutional news, philanthropist Yan Du is launching Yan Du Projects in London, the Simose Art Museum in Japan is hosting its first contemporary exhibition, and the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art has repatriated looted Zidanku Silk Manuscripts to China.
These updates matter because they highlight the shifting dynamics of the Asian art market amid global economic headwinds, as well as the growing institutional recognition of Asian and diasporic artists. The repatriation of looted manuscripts underscores ongoing restitution efforts, while new non-profit spaces and biennials signal sustained investment in Asian contemporary art. The expansion of Art Basel into Qatar also marks a significant geographic diversification of major art fairs.