TavernART at the 2026 Hong Kong Affordable Art Fair: A Cross-Cultural Celebration of Artistic Vision
- Mar 4
- 3 min read
As the 2026 Hong Kong Affordable Art Fair opens its doors on May 14-17, art lovers and collectors alike will discover a diverse, emotionally charged selection curated by Barbara Tavernard, the Brazilian founder of TavernART, and her team.
This year, her booth represents a confluence of cultures, featuring new visionary artists such as Rolland Cheung, Henry Lau, Kavita Issar Batra, and many more —each echoing the gallery’s mission of creative authenticity and cultural connection.
Barbara Tavernard: A Curator of Dialogue and Discovery
Founder and director of TavernART, Barbara Tavernard brings over three decades of experience in the international art scene. She graduated with a degree in Fine Art from Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado (FAAP) and earned a degree in Linguistics from the University of São Paulo, a rare combination that reflects her interdisciplinary vision—balancing visual expression with a deep understanding of cultural narrative.
Tavernard’s journey began in her native Brazil, where she worked with the Cultural Department of the City of São Paulo (1995–1996) and participated in the Brazilian Biennale (1996). She later joined the Museum of the Person (1996–2000, 2001–2003), a pioneering institution dedicated to oral history and personal storytelling—an influence that continues to shape her curatorial voice today.
A Collective Vision at TavernART
While TavernART bears her name, Barbara insists it is a truly collaborative endeavor. “TavernART is not only me,” she confides. “There’s Ann Baldoni and many friends who share ideas, energy, and their love for art—each contributing in ways that shape our exhibitions.” This collective spirit defines the gallery’s identity, rooted in friendship, trust, and shared curiosity.
A passionate supporter of the New Ink Movement, Tavernard treasures the innovation and freedom it represents—bridging traditional Asian techniques with global contemporary thought. For her, every artist in TavernART’s circle is a treasure: each one carrying a distinct story, philosophy, and vision that together compose the gallery’s beating heart.
Her international perspective broadened through her tenure at the Tate Modern in London (2000–2001) before relocating to Asia, where she immersed herself in Hong Kong’s emerging contemporary scene. Between 2014 and 2025, Tavernard curated and co-organized several major exhibitions across Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, and beyond—including collaborations with acclaimed artists Harry Harrison, Rouge et Éphémère, and Mattias Olson. From experimental showcases to public art dialogues, each project reaffirmed her belief in art as a shared human language.
Through TavernART, Barbara continues to nurture meaningful exchanges between artists, collectors, and audiences, emphasizing accessibility and authenticity. Her curatorial approach values craftsmanship, narrative, and emotion—qualities that unite her international roster of artists across continents.
Art Without Borders
At the 2026 Hong Kong Affordable Art Fair, TavernART embodies the fair’s spirit: open, inclusive, and globally connected. Through Barbara Tavernard’s thoughtful curation, audiences are invited into a vibrant cultural conversation—one that reminds us that art is not only something we view, but something we live.
In the lead-up to the Hong Kong Affordable Art Fair this May, TavernART will spotlight a new artist each week, sharing their creative vision and the stories that shape their work. Each feature offers a glimpse into the diversity and depth of our collective, highlighting voices that define contemporary art today.
Follow @TavernARTGallery on social media stay tuned as each week we celebrate unique artists in the count down to the fair — one inspiring story at a time.
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