Rob Basel: A Performance Art Piece at Art Basel Hong Kong 2024

In the bustling and commercialized landscape of the art world, particularly at prominent events like Art Basel Hong Kong, the true essence of art and the struggles of artists often get overshadowed by high-end transactions and market strategies. In response to this reality, your performance art piece, **"Rob Basel"**, seeks to challenge and highlight these dynamics in a provocative and meaningful way.

Concept

"Rob Basel" is a daring and thought-provoking performance piece designed to confront the commercialization of art directly. By engaging in an act that simulates robbery using a payment machine, you intend to disrupt the usual flow of transactions at such a prestigious event. The act is not merely about taking money but about redirecting funds to support the local arts community in Hong Kong.

Performance Details

- Location: Hong Kong 2024
- Action: During the event, you approach attendees with a payment machine, effectively "robbing" them of their money. This act is premeditated and performed with full transparency and explanation.
- Support Team: A legal team and an artist manager accompany you throughout the performance. Their role is to explain the concept, legality, and purpose behind "Rob Basel" to onlookers and participants.
- Fund Allocation: All collected funds are earmarked for an organization dedicated to building an art village in Hong Kong. This village will provide local artists with the space and resources they need to create and thrive.

Message and Impact

"Rob Basel" serves as a bold statement against the commercialization of art. It underscores the irony of wealth circulating in the art market while many local artists struggle to find support and space to work. By redirecting funds from affluent attendees to grassroots initiatives, your performance seeks to bridge this gap and foster a more equitable environment for artistic creation.

Expected Outcomes

- Awareness: The performance raises awareness about the disparity between commercial art markets and local artists' needs.
- Support: The funds collected will directly support the creation of an art village, offering tangible benefits to the local art community in Hong Kong.
- Dialogue: The performance sparks conversation about the value of art, the role of commerce in art, and the importance of supporting local artists.

"Rob Basel" is more than a performance; it is a catalyst for change, encouraging a re-evaluation of priorities within the art industry and advocating for a more supportive infrastructure for artists.