On the occasion of Hong Kong Art Week, we’re profiling 5 inspiring collectors to know, from Adrian Cheng, CEO of New World Development, to Alan Lo, Restaurateur and Food Tech Investor, to Kevin Poon, Founder of WOAW Gallery.
Adrian Cheng
CEO of New World Development
Portrait of Adrian Cheng, © David Atlan.
Adrian Cheng is the CEO of New World Development, which spans property, infrastructure, hotels and other consumer and technology businesses. Since joining the company in 2006, he has reinvented the brand’s DNA through ‘The Artisanal Movement’, infusing craft, heritage, design and creativity into all of the company’s ventures. He is spearheading several major development projects in the Greater Bay Area, including the recently announced ECOAST development, a one-of-a-kind commercial complex worth RMB10 billion in Shenzhen, aiming to create the region’s first circular economy hub and largest harbourfront cultural/retail destination. Cheng has been acknowledged by Fortune in its “40 under 40” list, honored by the World Economic Forum as a “Young Global Leader” and was made an “Officer in the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres” by the French Government, the youngest person in Hong Kong to receive the honor. At the start of 2023, Cheng was appointed as the Chairman of the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Committee by the Hong Kong Government to strengthen the city’s status as a cultural exchange hub between China and the rest of the world.
Alan Lo
Restaurateur and Food Tech Investor
Portrait of Alan Lo.
A leading voice in the Asian cultural scene, Alan Lo was listed as one of Asia’s Best Young Entrepreneurs by Bloomberg Businessweek. In addition to being named one of Blouin Artinfo’s 30 Rising Power Players in the Eastern Art Scene, he featured in international art publication Apollo Magazine’s 40 Under 40 Asia Pacific list. He has served on a number of cultural institutions including the Design Trust (which he chaired from 2014-2020), Art Basel’s Global Patrons Council, the Princeton University Art Museum Advisory Council and the Tate Asia-Pacific Acquisitions Committee as well as Para Site. Lo holds an AB in architecture from Princeton University.
Can you share a recent acquisition you’re excited about?
“Our foundation recently bought an installation by Puppies Puppies (Jade Kuriki-Olivo) which we look forward to showing at our space in Singapore at some point!”
What is your advice for aspiring collectors, just getting started?
“My advice is to really see a lot and talk to as many people as possible. I also highly recommend working with an art advisor to build the collection together.”
Ed Tang
Director at Art Agency, Partners in New York; Vice-President and Director of Global Fine Arts at Sotheby’s New York
Portrait of Ed Tang.
Ed Tang has over ten years of experience in the art world working with collectors, artists, galleries and institutions. His previous work included collector advisory, collection development and management, valuations and special projects involving artists, estates and foundations in the US, Europe and Asia. A native of Hong Kong and the U.K., Tang received a B.A. degree in History of Art from University College London. During his time in London, he was an ambassador for Tate Young Patrons and the founding co-chair of the Whitechapel Gallery First Futures patron group. He was also a member of the Tate Asia-Pacific Acquisition Committee for a number of years. Tang moved to New York in 2014, shortly before becoming the Global Head of First Open at Christie’s. More recently, he became a founding member of the Asia Art Archive Women in Art History Fund and has been involved as a Friend at the Foundation for Contemporary Art since 2017. As an avid collector and supporter of institutions, he has also loaned works from his personal collection to various exhibitions at MoMA, New York; Rose Art Museum, Massachusetts; and Wadsworth Atheneum Museum, Connecticut, among many others.
Can you share a recent acquisition you’re excited about?
“I’ve long admired the work of Andrew Cranston and was able to acquire a lovely book painting. I like the programme of the galleries he works with—all of them are in town for Art Basel Hong Kong.”
What is your advice for aspiring collectors, just getting started?
“It’s good to do ‘homework’—meaning to look things up and ask questions rather than being too impulsive. Speaking to a good advisor goes a long way!”
Evan Chow
Managing Partner of MCL Financial Group and Founder and Managing Director of Chow Enterprise Group
Portrait of Evan Chow.
With a successful early career in the corporate finance and private equity sector, Evan Chow has been appointed as the Managing Partner of MCL Financial Group (MCLFG), as well as the Founder and Managing Director of Chow Enterprise Group (CEG), a Hong Kong-based private family office, since the 2000’s. His business portfolio includes real estate development, private equity investment, and asset management businesses across Hong Kong, Asia Pacific, and Europe. Apart from being a seasoned financier by day, Chow has long been known as an avid art collector and an influential patron locally and worldwide. Inspired by his great-grandparents who co-founded the Bank of East Asia, one of the major banks in Hong Kong, he has developed great enthusiasm for art and culture at a tender age. He contributes to the development of art and culture worldwide by being a steadfast patron and collector, having begun amassing an expansive collection of modern and contemporary art in the early 2010’s. Chow is determined to bridge the blooming local art scene with the international world. A resolute supporter of local talents since their budding stage, he has sought to make their flair known by the wider world through liaising and supporting them to host exhibitions at top art institutions.
Can you share a recent acquisition you’re excited about?
“I have recently acquired a painting by Brazilian artist Paula Siebra. Her small-size canvases convey images of everyday life, household objects and landscapes. The earthy hues she uses are reminiscent of her native land of Ceará, a coastal town in northeastern Brazil. She is merely 25 years-old and I am excited to see what’s ahead of her.”
What is your advice for aspiring collectors, just getting started?
If you are thinking about starting a collection, you should read widely and take time to research art that you are interested in. Attend exhibitions and art fairs in person so that you can find out what quality in an artwork appeals to you the most. Be patient during the process and gradually develop your own taste.
Kevin Poon
Founder of WOAW Gallery
Portrait of Kevin Poon.
Kevin Poon is the founder of WOAW Gallery, a contemporary art gallery established in 2019, introducing a wide variety of artworks by established and emerging artists around the globe with a fresh perspective and translating them for the market in Asia. Poon is the consummate networked creative figure, acting as a hub and a filter through his many entrepreneurial and artistic projects. Fueled by his love for art and inspired by the years of building relationships and realizing collaborative projects around the globe, WOAW presents itself as a dynamic, flexible and multifaceted hub for artists, curators, galleries, and entrepreneurs.
Can you share a recent acquisition you’re excited about?
“Absolutely! The recent acquisitions that I am excited about are from Lauren Halsey and Ross Caliendo.”
What is your advice for aspiring collectors, just getting started?
“As a first-time art buyer, here are some tips to consider:
Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about different art styles, artists, and art market trends. Attend art exhibitions, visit galleries, and read books or articles on art appreciation. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions and develop your personal taste.
Define Your Budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend on artwork. Establishing a budget will help narrow down your options and prevent overspending. Remember to consider additional costs such as framing, shipping, or insurance.
Explore Different Artworks: Visit galleries, art fairs, and online platforms to explore a variety of artworks. Take note of what catches your eye and resonates with you emotionally. Consider the size, medium, and subject matter that appeals to you.
Buy What You Love: Art is subjective, and it’s important to buy artwork that you genuinely enjoy and connect with. Trust your instincts and choose pieces that bring you joy or evoke emotions. Art should be a reflection of your personal taste and style.
Research the Artist: Before making a purchase, research the artist’s background, reputation, and artistic journey. Look for consistency in their work and whether they have exhibited in reputable galleries or museums. This information can help you assess the potential value and significance of the artwork.
Consider Authenticity and Provenance: If you’re buying original artwork, inquire about its authenticity and provenance. Ask for certificates of authenticity or any supporting documentation that confirms the artwork’s origin and history. This information adds value and helps ensure the artwork’s legitimacy.
Build Relationships with Galleries: Developing relationships with galleries and art professionals can provide you with access to emerging artists and valuable insights. Attend gallery openings, art events, or join art communities to connect with like-minded individuals and stay up to date with the art scene.
Understand Art Pricing: Art prices can vary significantly based on factors such as the artist’s reputation, demand, medium, size, and edition. Research comparable artworks and their prices to understand the market value. Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate over time.
Consider Art as an Investment: While art can be a rewarding investment, it’s important to approach it with caution. Art market values can be unpredictable, and not all artworks appreciate in value. If your primary goal is investment, seek advice from art professionals or art consultants who specialize in art investment.
Enjoy the Process: Buying art should be an enjoyable and enriching experience. Take your time, trust your instincts, and enjoy the journey of discovering and collecting artwork that resonates with you. Remember, there are no right or wrong choices when it comes to art appreciation.
It’s always a good idea to consult with art professionals or seek advice from experienced collectors when making significant art purchases, we at WOAW gallery are always happy to help guide you through the process, and finally I think last but not least, HAVE FUN!”
