During a spirited Hong Kong Art Month, join us in celebrating the visionary collectors of the city’s soaring art and cultural landscape. Dynamic cultural leaders, trailblazing entrepreneurs, and dedicated philanthropists, each tremendous individual approaches art collecting with thoughtful synchronization of heart and mind.
Queenie Rosita Law
Founder of Double Q Gallery and Q Contemporary
Portrait courtesy of Queenie Rosita Law.
Maria Kulikovska, “The Red Figure,” 2024, Soap Sculpture, Created specifically for permanent collection of the National Museum of History of Ukraine in the Second World War. Courtesy of the artist.
Queenie Rosita Law founded Double Q, a Hong Kong gallery championing emerging and underrepresented artists. It is dedicated to supporting ambitious projects by the gallery’s artists, such as Márton Nemes’ participation at the 2024 Venice Biennale. Q Contemporary is a private collection space in Budapest showing Law’s collection on its two floors of exhibition space as well as an upcoming artist residency to provide a platform for artists to exchange ideas.
As a collector, Law focuses on Central and Eastern European artists. Law received Hungary’s Gold Cross of Merit in 2020. In 2022, she became the first foreigner honoured in Muerto’s Power 50 list as one of the most influential figures in the Hungarian art community.
WHITEWALL: Can you share a recent acquisition you’re excited about?
QUEENIE ROSITA LAW: I love Maria Kulikovska’s work, and I am excited to add her full bust figure sculpture into my collection. Maria’s artistic practice is rooted in personal and national histories. Her work reflects the traumatic consequences of war, forced migration, and the ongoing struggle for self-expression and bodily autonomy. Her art is incredibly powerful, and through it, she reveals her deepest feelings about the most human and inhumane things.
WW: What is your advice for aspiring collectors, just getting started?
QRL: I really think that sometimes this idea of ‘collecting’ is over complicated; too much noise and too many opinions. I would say to simply look at collecting as an ongoing reflection of yourself and your development. There’s always a personal reason why the pieces speak to you. It doesn’t have to be the same reason as someone else, indeed it shouldn’t be.
“There’s always a personal reason why the pieces speak to you,”
Queenie Rosita Law
We have to remember that collecting also means you are ‘buying’ an artist’s mindset, their feelings and emotions of that moment. It’s something very precious and powerful that resonates in a multifaceted way.
Dr. William Lim
Artist; Founder and Managing Director of CL3 Architects
Portrait courtesy of Dr. William Lim. Credit: Terry Tam.
William Lim, “Night Safari 7,” 2023, Oil on canvas, 80 cm x 60 cm; Courtesy of the artist and WOAW Gallery Singapore.
Dr. William Lim graduated from the Department of Architecture, Cornell University, with a minor in Photography. William Lim has long been interested in art and architecture. His prestigious architecture company—CL3 has won numerous awards, such as the DFA Design for Asia Awards and Grand Award for Culture presented by the Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC).
He specializes in the production of large-scale art installations, and has recently begun to create oil paintings. During his artistic career, he has participated in many international exhibitions including the Hong Kong Victoria Park “Lantern Wonderland”, the Venice Architecture Biennale held in Italy, the Hong Kong & Shenzhen Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture, and the “Architecture and Heritage: Unearthing Future” exhibition held at the National Museum of Modern Art, Seoul, Korea in 2019. He also had his solo exhibition, “Ode to the Wandering Son” at Art Basel HK 2023. He is committed to promoting culture and education. In 2019, William donated 90 artworks of “Living Collection” to M+, a museum of visual culture in the West Kowloon Cultural District of Hong Kong, in which 70% of the pieces are from Hong Kong local artists.
WHITEWALL: Can you share a recent acquisition you’re excited about?
DR. WILLIAM LIM: I recently attended a charity event for Hong Kong Arts Center. I auctioned an early work titled “Flowering World,” an acrylic on Rock Forms, from 1999 by Hong Kong artist Eddie Lui. I have followed his work for a while and very excited to acquire his early work and supported an important art organization at the same time.
WW: What is your advice for aspiring collectors, just getting started?
D.WL: I think the current art market shows that it has ups and downs. I think collectors should really collect with their passion. A value appreciation can be from the exposure they make rather than necessarily monetary.
“I think collectors should really collect with their passion,”
Dr. William Lim
I believe a good and unique collection shall also be focused. Focus on something meaningful to you, be it a region, a topic, a medium, etc., and get the most representative pieces that match your focus.
Kevin Poon
Entrepreneur and Founder of WOAW Gallery
Portrait of Kevin Poon.
KALEIDOSCOPE and Mai 36 Galerie present “H.R. Giger Hong Kong” at WOAW Gallery; Courtesy of WOAW Gallery.
Kevin Poon is a multifaceted entrepreneur, creative visionary, and cultural influencer based in Hong Kong. Born in 1981, Poon has built an impressive career across various sectors, including fashion, art, music, and lifestyle. He co-founded CLOT, a highly regarded streetwear brand, with Edison Chen in 2003. In 2015, Poon expanded his business ventures by founding District Distribution, a company specializing in the distribution of international streetwear brands in Asia. As a passionate supporter of the arts, Poon founded Woaw Gallery in 2019, which focuses on showcasing emerging and established contemporary artists from around the world.
In addition to his work in fashion and art, Poon is also deeply involved in the music and hospitality industry. He co-founded Leading Nation Hospitality that owns and operates Forty-Five Landmark, The Merchants, Kaen Teppanyaki, Cardinal Point, La Rambla IFC, Sushi Mamoru, Diplomat, Elephant Grounds, Mortys Deli, and Hawk & Aster. On the music front, Kevin has played an instrumental role in organising and promoting concerts and events featuring international acts Pharrell Williams, John Mayer, and more in Hong Kong and mainland China.
WHITEWALL: Can you share a recent acquisition you’re excited about?
KEVIN POON: I am so excited about “H.R. GIGER HONG KONG” solo exhibition by H.R. Giger, curated by Alessio Ascari (KALEIDOSCOPE) in collaboration with Mai 36 Galerie. And of course, the Art Basel Hong Kong.
WW: What is your advice for aspiring collectors, just getting started?
KP: I think collecting should be a passion, not just an investment. For me, I love attending art fairs to discover new pieces and new artists. Hanging around with artists, sellers and collectors is a great way to open up opportunities and you will find out what your preferences are to build your own collection.
“I love attending art fairs to discover new pieces and new artists,”
Kevin Poon
Just follow your instincts and personal connection to the artwork is what will make it special and meaningful to you. Enjoy the Journey!!!
Evan Chow
Managing Partner of MCL Financial Group; Founder and Managing Director of Chow Enterprise Group
Portrait courtesy of Evan Chow.
M+ Museum, Hong Kong (project stage),
Herzog & de Meuron; Courtesy of Arquitectura Viva.
Evan Chow is 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 multi-family office. In addition to his stellar accomplishments in the commercial sector, Mr. Chow is an avid art collector and an influential patron locally and globally. Named one of Asia’s Most Influential Individuals by Tatler, he is known for his formidable collection of contemporary art, and his enthusiasm in contributing to the local and international art scene as a steadfast patron.
Mr. Chow has served for years on the Board of Governors at the Hong Kong Arts Centre, the city’s longest-standing public art institution. He is also the first Hong Kong-based member to be appointed to the Board of Trustees at the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York. As the Co-Chairperson of the museum’s International Leadership Council, he leads a group of international cultural philanthropists and art collectors to bring the museum’s visions to life. Not only is he a Founding Patron at the M+ Museum in Hong Kong, but he is also part of the International Council at Tate Modern in London, Asia Pacific Committee for the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and he sits on the Advisory Boards of the art fairs Taipei Dangdai and Art SG.
WHITEWALL: Can you share a recent acquisition you’re excited about?
EVAN CHOW: I have been following Friedrich Kunath’s practice for a while and was thrilled to add one of his works to my collection. His works are a mix of German Romanticism and pop culture, characterized by vibrant colors and a twist of melancholic humor. What intrigues me most about his work is his ability to play with contrasting ideas that I find deeply inspirational.
WW: What is your advice for aspiring collectors, just getting started?
EC: It is important to immerse yourself in reading and spend time researching art that speaks to you. Indulge yourself in the art world by attending exhibitions and fairs to experience works firsthand and discover what resonates with you.
“It is important to immerse yourself in reading and spend time researching art that speaks to you,”
Evan Chow
Most importantly, be patient and intentional throughout the process, and you will develop a taste that is uniquely your own.
Alan Lo
Co-Founder of Yenn and Alan Lo Foundation
Portrait Courtesy of Alan Lo.
Agan Harahap, “I Was a Punk Before You,” 2018-2024, silkscreen on t-shirt and digital print on photo paper, 124.5 cm x 95.5 x 5 cm; Courtesy of the artist and Mizuma Art Gallery.
An entrepreneur, investor, and a leading voice in the Asian cultural scene, Alan Lo is co-founder of Singapore-based Yenn and Alan Lo Foundation (or YAL Foundation). YAL Foundation committed to nurture the development of Asian transnational artistic practices and foster dialogue with the artistic community in Singapore and the region. It was the founding sponsor of the inaugural SAM S.E.A. Focus Art Fund to recognise and acquire iconic works of contemporary Southeast Asian Art for Singapore Art Museum (SAM)’s collection. The fund supported the acquisition of works by emerging artists such as Tan Zi Hao, Phi Phi Oanh, Saroot Supasuthivech, Lai Yu Tong and Agan Harahap.
Alan has served on boards of numerous cultural institutions including the Design Trust, Para Site (as board chair), Advisory Council of Princeton University Art Museum, Tate Asia-Pacific Acquisitions Committee as well as Global Council of Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA LA). Alan holds an AB in architecture from Princeton University.
WHITEWALL: Can you share a recent acquisition you’re excited about?
ALAN LO: Our foundation recently acquired a work by Kang Seung Lee and Jacqueline Kiyomi Gork. We continue to be excited about transnational practices.
WW: What is your advice for aspiring collectors, just getting started?
AL: Go see a lot of shows, talk to curators and artists and fellow collectors. Take your time to let all the materials sink in before making an acquisition.
“Take your time to let all the materials sink in before making an acquisition,”
Alan Lo
And don’t be shy to get an art advisor!
Dr. Adrian Cheng
Founder of K11 Group
Portrait courtesy of Adrian Cheng.
Courtesy of K11 Group.
Dr. Adrian Cheng is a Director of Chow Tai Fook (Holding) Limited and Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited, a Non-executive Vice-chairman of New World Development Company Limited, and the Founder of K11 Group. After graduating from Harvard University, Adrian founded the K11 Group in 2008, pioneering the “cultural commerce” concept that seamlessly blends art, design, and commerce. He has spearheaded landmark projects like the Victoria Dockside, a global art and cultural district in Hong Kong’s iconic Tsim Sha Tsui harbourfront, investment of which is around 25 billion Hong Kong dollars; 11 SKIES, the largest one-stop retailtainment space strategically located near Hong Kong International Airport, investment of which is about 30 billion Hong Kong dollars; and K11 ECOAST, an ambitious commercial and culture complex in Shenzhen in the Greater Bay Area.
Over the years, the K11 brand has expanded into non-profit areas. Adrian founded the K11 Art Foundation and the K11 Craft & Guild Foundation, the former aiming to incubate up-and-coming artists and creators and the latter to conserve and preserve Chinese traditional craftsmanship. Adrian is dedicated to Creating Shared Value for society and has founded “Share for Good,” Hong Kong’s first large-scale crowd-donation platform that provides much-needed assistance to the underprivileged. He also founded the WEMP Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports the mental well-being of children.
WHITEWALL: Can you share a recent acquisition you’re excited about?
ADRIAN CHENG: We are excited to unveil Nicholas Party’s sculpture at K11 HACC, our newly launched exhibition space in Shenzhen. Situated within the K11 ECOAST Art and Cultural District along the scenic coastline, K11 HACC (K11 Hybrid Art and Cultural Centre) represents a landmark project. Designed by David Chipperfield, it marks his debut in Shenzhen and his first-ever Retail-Mix-Museum Typology—a significant and exciting milestone.
K11 HACC is a truly unique, multi-functional space that brings together an array of art and cultural experiences. It is dedicated to introducing world-class international artworks and exhibitions to the community, with the aim of integrating art and culture into everyday life. Designed as a cultural oasis, it offers a dynamic environment where contemporary urban residents can relax, discover, and engage with creativity.
“K11 HACC is a truly unique, multi-functional space that brings together an array of art and cultural experiences,”
Dr. Adrian Cheng
Our commitment to supporting Chinese contemporary art and fostering a globally-minded creative culture remains at the core of K11 HACC. Through international exhibitions, performances, public education programs, and other cultural initiatives, the space seeks to inspire and connect communities through artistic dialogue. We are delighted to inaugurate this space with an installation by Chinese artist Lu Yang, setting the stage for an enriching cultural experience.
WW: What is your advice for aspiring collectors, just getting started?
AC: Explore more exhibitions and take the opportunity to meet artists and curators face-to-face. It’s a great way to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the art world.
