This year’s Platform departs from a regional-based framework, and instead shifts the focus to thinking about communication, namely forms that have emerged since the advent of the Internet. Since art fairs are particularly charged sites of communication, both online and offline, X Zhu-Nowell decided to frame the Platform through the lens of the popular Internet slang word irl, which stands for “in real life” (as opposed to online).

Unboxing
The Unboxing section takes its name from a genre of popular YouTube videos where a YouTuber will, quite literally, “unbox” or unwrap an object (typically a new product in original packaging) in front of a camera. The Unboxing section will feature new special projects that will be revealed – or unboxed – to the art fair visitors. The carefully selected projects include some of the most exciting emerging artists working in/from Asia, and will be shown at a new dedicated exhibition space.
Peer to Peer
Peer-to-Peer takes its name from the decentralized computer network systems made infamous through early internet fle sharing platforms such as Napster. This portion of the programme will function as a networking hub, where collectors will showcase works from their collections at the fair, as well as discussing them.
Hyperlink
Hyperlink is a series of performances that will run throughout the fair and will be occur across the site. Performances may be direct, suggestive, hidden, improvisational, or otherwise spontaneous, mimicking the interaction that one has when clicking on a hyperlink online. Performances will draw from a wide range of performative references, ranging from underground raves, to choreographed compositions, and slam poetry.
Chat Room
Lastly, Chat Room will be a physical space that hosts a range of dialogues. Using the idea of on-line chatrooms as a framework, the Chat Room will connect various artists, collectors, curators, thinkers, and gallerists together, to discuss a wide range of topics in an informal setting.