Artnet News's 'The Asia Pivot' reflects on its 2025 coverage, highlighting the expansion of Asia's art scene beyond traditional East Asian markets into emerging regions such as the Gulf, South Asia, and Central Asia. Key developments include the debut of the Bukhara Biennial in Uzbekistan, the opening of the Almaty Museum of Arts in Kazakhstan, and the flourishing art scene in Thailand with new private museums like Dib Bangkok. The report also covers major markets like China, Japan, and South Korea, noting the impact of geopolitical dynamics and market shifts.
This recap matters because it underscores a fundamental shift in the global art world's center of gravity, moving away from a singular 'Asia' toward a constellation of diverse, interconnected art hubs. The expansion of major players like Art Basel, Frieze, Sotheby's, and Christie's into the Gulf, along with the rise of new collectors and private initiatives in India and Southeast Asia, signals a more decentralized and dynamic art market. The article also highlights how political and economic factors—such as trade wars, tax reforms, and leadership changes—are reshaping art ecosystems across the continent.