TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The fifth edition of Taipei’s largest contemporary art fair, Taipei Dangdai (台北當代藝術博覽會), took place at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center on May 10–12.
The art fair attracted large crowds, with residents eager to see works from 78 art galleries representing 19 regions. Exhibition space was also dedicated to cafes, restaurants, and sponsors, such as Macallan, BMW, and UBS.
Given the size and scope of the exhibition, as witnessed during a private opening on Thursday (May 9), the art fair seeks to return to pre-COVID levels in 2019. Taipei Dangdai also believes there are hidden collectors, both private and institutional, among the public.

Co-founded in 2018 by Magnus Renfrew, previously associated with Art HK (renamed Art Basel Hong Kong), this major contemporary art fair caters to collectors who may not have time to travel. According to Credit Suisse, Taiwan ranks 14th in millionaires as a percentage of the population (4.4%), reaching 869,000 in 2021.
Taipei Dangdai sparked interest in contemporary work on paper, canvas, sculpture, and installation. Taipei Dangdai kicked off activities, including the opening of Fubon Art Museum, which hosted an exhibition by Rodin, Night Art Fair, and a new exhibition by William Kentridge at Taipei Fine Arts Museum.
Renfew acknowledged blue-chip international galleries such as David Zwirner and Perrotin, and local galleries such as Each Modern, Da Xiang Art Space, and Isart Gallery.

Each Modern chose the theme “Maze” to display its work, which included mid-career artists such as Hilo Chen (陳昭宏) and colorful, graffiti-inspired work by Hell Gette (海爾蓋特).
Da Xiang Art Space, appearing for the third time, displayed works from 10 multidisciplinary artists from Taiwan, Australia, China, and Japan. Isart Gallery (御書房藝廊) featured a pink-themed installation by Julia Hung (洪郁雯), allowing visitors to be photographed in her artwork.