Inside the World of Hong Kong Gallerists

Running a gallery in Hong Kong is a high-wire act in which business must be balanced with creativity. Two gallerists making their Art Basel debut this year talk strategies, risk-taking, strategic pivots, creative reinvention and the behind-the-scenes hustle necessary to thrive.

Hong Kong’s art market moves fast. Blink, and a new gallery has opened (or closed). That this is an expensive city is undeniable, and when overheads can be eye-watering, gallerists must strategise like corporate CEOs to stay afloat. The challenge? Balancing artistic integrity with commercial survival in a market that’s as volatile as it’s potentially lucrative.

Opened in 2022 by Sharon Cheung, SC Gallery is a young and dynamic art space in Wong Chuk Hang. As both curator and gallerist, she’s determined to shake up the traditional art scene while providing a stage for the latest wave of talent in Hong Kong’s art community. Growing up in a city that blends Eastern and Western influences, Cheung has an affinity for diverse artistic expression, a fusion often seen in the works she exhibits, which frequently explore cultural narratives and the complexities of identity, particularly within the context of Hong Kong’s socio-political landscape. Although she has full creative freedom to showcase artworks that interest her, she often finds that balancing business and personal passions in the art world isn’t easy.

However, it’s not all art and inspiration for Cheung. She faces the very real challenge of navigating the city’s current economic blues, which are expected to persist for some time. “In times like these, it’s crucial to seek opportunities for both the gallery and the artists to ensure they remain motivated to create,” she says. “At the same time, we also must enable a diverse group of collectors to engage with their artworks, so we might have to cast our nets wider and look beyond Hong Kong.” Enter the Middle Eastern art market where, in 2023, Cheung found collectors who are particularly smitten with Hong Kong art. “We’re all about exploring new markets, even if it means donning our adventurous hats with a side of caution, thanks to the associated costs,” she adds.

Asked how she stays true to her artistic principles amid ever-changing demands, Cheung credits her integrity to the strong relationships she’s built with the artists she works with. “Building a strong relationship with artists is essential to allow me to understand their intentions and goals,” she says, “It’s important to understand the artists’ visions, so we can craft a better pitch to collectors.” In her day-to-day work, Cheung often mixes exhibitions between the more commercially viable and those that focus on experimental or emerging artists. “It’s all about striking that perfect balance between commercial savvy and artistic freedom,” she says.

At the Sheung Wan end of Hollywood Road, Contemporary by Angela Li is a vibrant art playground. A multi-disciplinary gallery, it’s all about celebrating local and regional talent – and though there’s a spotlight on painting, there are also sculptors and installation artists to prove there’s plenty of room for creativity, plus a touch of whimsy, under a single roof. As with SC’s Cheung, running a gallery for Angela Li is no walk in the park. “I can never estimate what sells, and I sometimes get it wrong,” she says of the art world’s unpredictable nature. However, passion does sell, something Li has learned that through her many years of trial and error.

“I realise we get the best feedback and results when I showcase works that touch and move me, rather than ‘popular’ and sellable pieces,” she says. “I think there’s no fooling collectors. They know when we’re genuinely in love with the works we show, or not.”

For Li, balancing business and artistic integrity is easier when that passion is rooted in a deep respect for artists and a commitment to fostering meaningful connections between art and its audience. “By curating exhibitions that showcase the diverse artistic expressions within our region, we aim to bridge the gap between artists and audiences, fostering a deeper appreciation for the local art scene,” she says. It’s an ongoing process, but Li’s mission is to respect her artistic ideals while remaining attuned to commercial demands.

Ultimately, though Li says “there’s never anything safe [in this industry]”, it’s clear that integrity takes precedence above everything else.

“Being genuine with our advice is what’s important to us,” Li adds, an honesty that extends beyond collectors and artists, shaping the very foundation of a gallery’s reputation. Whether navigating economic downturns or the pressure of an ever-expanding art scene, these two gallerists know that authenticity isn’t just admirable, it’s essential.