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Gagosian Gallery, one of the world's leading galleries of modern and contemporary art, today (January 14) announced the debut of its Asian flagship space, to open on January 18 at the historic Pedder Building in the heart of Hong Kong's Central business district. The new Hong Kong gallery complements Gagosian's other spaces in New York, Los Angeles, London, Rome, Athens, Paris and Geneva.
Gagosian Gallery represents many of the world's most important contemporary artists, including Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, Takashi Murakami and Cy Twombly. The gallery also represents the estates of artists such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Alberto Giacometti, and is active in the secondary market for artists including Pablo Picasso, Francis Bacon, Claude Monet and Mark Rothko.
Managing Director of Gagosian Gallery, Mr Nick Simunovic, said, "We established the gallery in Hong Kong because the city is the gateway to Asia. It also has the added bonus of being the world's third largest art market after New York and London. There is no question that interest in western modern and contemporary art in Asia is both serious and substantial at all levels of the market, from new entrants to experienced collectors. Hong Kong provides us with an ideal platform from which to reach private, corporate and institutional collectors across the region."
Explaining the role of the gallery in Hong Kong, Mr Simunovic said, "The primary focus of the Hong Kong space will be to bring to Asia the artists and estates we work with in the United States and Europe. From Hong Kong, we will give shape and direction to our efforts across the continent. Our aim is to present a rich and diverse programme of museum-quality exhibitions for the enjoyment of both collectors and the general public alike."
When looking for a potential site, Gagosian emphasised size and location as its two most important criteria. Measuring more than 500 square metres and featuring an impressive 3.8-metre-high ceiling, Gagosian Gallery Hong Kong will be one of the city's largest and most accessible commercial art spaces, designed by the award-winning Caruso St John Architects. Furthermore, Pedder Building holds significant historic and aesthetic value. Built in 1923, it is the last surviving pre-war building on Pedder Street, and is listed as a "Grade 2 Historical Building" by the Antiquities and Monuments Office.
Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr Andrew Davis, welcomed Gagosian Gallery in setting up its first Asian space in Hong Kong. He said, "The presence of Gagosian Gallery not only enriches the portfolio of masterpieces to be shown in our city but also boosts Hong Kong's global standing as a creative and cultural hub."
About Gagosian Gallery
Gagosian Gallery is one of the world's leading galleries of modern and contemporary art. The gallery was founded by Larry Gagosian, and now operates 11 exhibition spaces in New York, Los Angeles, London, Rome, Athens, Paris and Geneva. Its first space in Asia will open in Hong Kong in January 2011. For more information, please visit www.gagosian.com.
About Invest Hong Kong
Invest Hong Kong is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government established in July 2000 to take responsibility for Foreign Direct Investment and support overseas and Mainland businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customised services to help businesses succeed in Hong Kong's vibrant economy. As it celebrates its 10th anniversary, Invest Hong Kong has completed over 2,100 investment projects creating over 26,000 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and HK$56 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.
Ends/Friday, January 14, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:03
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