A recent conversation between friends in Hong Kong's business district highlights the importance of appreciating art in daily life. The discussion was sparked by a visit to an auction house's exhibition featuring Yayoi Kusama's Mount Fuji prints and Sam Francis's new installation.

Last week, a friend and I chatted about our children’s favourite art pieces after happening upon an auction house’s exhibition in a building in the heart of Hong Kong’s business district. We both recalled stopping to look at Yayoi Kusama’s Mount Fuji prints. “I pass by the space twice every day,” my friend said. She told me that my son’s pick – a piece by Sam Francis – was a new installation, replacing what had been a display of handbags. How often do we pause to notice art, or enjoy life in...