Almanac 2019

For ArtAsiaPacific’s first issue of 2019, we present Almanac XIV,  a compendium of the most significant art events of 2018 and a look ahead at what’s next in 2019. In addition to spotlighting 53 countries—such as Taiwan, the Philippines, Mongolia, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Iran—that constitute our active footprint, the Almanac extends to the rest of the world, wherever artists of Asia, the Pacific and the Middle East work and are shown. 

We’ve also invited influential art world figures to reflect on the major cultural events of 2018, including artist Zeng Fanzhi; director of the newly opened Jameel Arts Centre in Dubai, Antonia Carver; the outgoing director of Korea’s National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Bartomeu Marí; Silverlens gallerist Isa Lorenzo; Asia Society Museum director Boon Hui Tan; and Brisbane gallerist Josh Milani.  

For the Five Plus One section, the editors have selected five artists and art collectives that have contributed to the major conversations and exhibitions of the last 12 months, along with one poised for a transformative year ahead. These practitioners include Lin Tianmiao, Michael Rakowitz, Wu Tsang, Karrabing Collective, Naeem Mohaiemen and Sophia al-Maria.

We also track the major news, controversies, career moves, awards, as well as the state of the art market in 2018; highlight significant museum and gallery exhibitions; peruse anthologies and monographs to pick our top 12 books of the year; and look ahead to the exhibitions that we are eagerly anticipating in 2019.

The Almanac would not be possible without the generosity of all our supporters. We are tremendously grateful to our principal partner Hyundai Motorstudio Beijing. Additional support has been provided by Burger Collection, Mapletree and the Frank F. Yang Art and Education Foundation. We also thank all the patrons, art institutions and galleries who cheer us on year after year in this ambitious project.