Art of the matter

If you asked art consultant and curator Jules Lambe the word that best describes her is, she would probably say “nomad”.  This year, the director of Hong Kong-based gallery Gaffer has traversed the globe finding and representing emerging artists at some of the world’s leading art fairs and Biennales, and sourcing art for corporate clients such as the Peninsula, Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental.  Put simply, art is not just Lambe’s job, it is her passion.  “I believe you should buy art you love and wish to bring into your home.  Art can communicate a memory, a feeling, a mood. It is an expression of the artist’s thoughts, whether it’s a sculpture or oil on canvas, it is communicating an idea”.

Lambe is the perfect person to talk to about researching, sourcing and purchasing art – pieces that suit a home’s décor while reflecting the buyer’s lifestyle and personality. She suggests starting off by exploring the art world to discover pieces and genres you like, then visiting a multitude of galleries. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, she adds. 

This is relatively easy in Hong Kong – a city awash with dazzling galleries that cater to every palate.  There is everything from international contemporary giants such as the Gagosian or White Cube that offer works by Damien Hirst, Frank Gehry or Tracey Emin, to local galleries including The Cat Street Gallery or Amelia Johnson Contemporary. If you are looking for Asian works there is Lambe’s Gaffer and other Hong Kong boutiques such as Grotto Fine Art that  showcase Hong Kong artists, or Sin Sin and 10 Chancery Lane that champion artists from across the region.

The modern alternative to pounding the streets is to let your fingers do the walking, and scour the internet for the perfect purchase.  While most galleries have an online presence, there are some websites that act as gallery and store, with all viewing and buying done online.  British-based New Blood Art was established in 2004 by former art tutor Sarah Ryan.  The website offers affordable artwork by emerging artists – usually fine art graduates.  The idea behind the site, Ryan explains, was to promote little-known artists and art students, offering them a platform to showcase their work and sell their pieces.  The site is interactive so while you can’t actually be in the same room as the pieces, you can enlarge and enhance them onscreen and even select a background colour to “hang” them on – Ryan says it is important to consider how the piece will look in its home, so choose the colour that matches your walls/interiors. 

New Blood Art has been so successful that Ryan says she is looking for Asian partners.  “It just shows how the site is growing – we are ready and want to expand our reach to Asia. Obviously there is fabulous art in the region, and we are excited at the thought of reaching and bringing together local art colleges and buyers.”