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London-based art gallery White Cube's first overseas branch opened today (March 2) in Central, aiming to capitalise on the rapidly developing art business in Asia and introduce international artists to the region.
Located at 50 Connaught Road Central, the gallery is spread over two floors. In its debut show, White Cube in Hong Kong will host the inaugural exhibition of "London Pictures" by Gilbert Prousch and George Passmore, featuring 22 of the 292-picture series as the first venue of the exhibition's global tour.
White Cube's Asia Director, Mr Graham Steele, said that setting up in Asia is a natural step for the gallery to cater to the needs of its growing customer base in the region. Hong Kong, he added, is a perfect location in Asia, given the city's position in the top three art markets in the world by auction sales.
"Hong Kong has a unique gateway position to Asia, both culturally and economically. Our gallery in Hong Kong will be a regional headquarters allowing our international artists to show their work in such a dynamic city," said Mr Steele.
He added that the city's low and stable tax rate was another attraction for White Cube, as well as the opportunities proffered by the West Kowloon Cultural District development that is poised to boost the city's art scene.
"White Cube is a well-known name in the art gallery world. Its setting up here is a significant addition to the art scene in Hong Kong. I believe that Hong Kong's strategic location in Asia will provide White Cube with the opportunity to expand its client base in the region," the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Simon Galpin, said.
About White Cube
White Cube was set up in London by Mr Jay Jopling in 1993 in Duke Street. After that venue closed in 2002, the gallery moved to larger premises at Bermondsey, Mason's Yard and Hoxton Square in London. Since its inception, it has mounted exhibitions of work by many leading international and British artists including Franz Ackermann, Miroslaw Balka, Chuck Close, Tracey Emin, Katharina Fritsch, Mona Hatoum, Damien Hirst, Gary Hume, Ellsworth Kelly, Julie Mehretu, Doris Salcedo, Hiroshi Sugimoto, Luc Tuymans and Jeff Wall. For more information, please visit www.whitecube.com.
About Invest Hong Kong
Invest Hong Kong is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region 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. In its 12th year of operation, Invest Hong Kong has completed over 2,400 investment projects creating more than 29,000 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and HK$62 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.
For event photos, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/sets/72157629493059921/.
Ends/Friday, March 2, 2012
Issued at HKT 17:15
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