Five months since the gallery opened, the two observe that they have attracted quite a diverse crowd: students, artists, curators and both seasoned and novice collectors. “Blue-chip collectors have seen and bought from so many established artists from established galleries and auction houses. But it’s exactly because of this that international collectors, who flew in for Art Basel in March and visited us, told us they found our gallery really refreshing, that we’re offering something different,” Cheng says.
As well as exhibitions and acquisitions for clients, the two also organise artist talks for the public at some of the shows, and offer career advice for artists they work with. “We help our artists grow their career by offering them advice on funding applications, grants and residencies,” says Cheng. He understands the financial challenges faced by artists in their early career and says his experience at Para Site is particularly useful in this regard, as he had first-hand experience in applying for the same kind of resources as a curator.
Down the line, the pair hope to expand their business. “Hong Kong is always a very strong foundation for us, but we’re open to showcasing our artists internationally,” says Cheng. “We’re also planning to collaborate with international galleries, institutions and sectors to expand creative possibilities. It’s only by coming together that we’ll be able to surf tough waves.”