Top art dealer David Zwirner looking to open gallery in Hong Kong
Zwirner, named third most influential in contemporary art world, with galleries in New York and London and representing artists such as Jeff Koons, sees city as ideal place for his first gallery in Asia
David Zwirner, one of the most powerful art dealers in the world, is looking for a place in Hong Kong to open his first Asia gallery.
“A couple of years ago, we thought we would just come to the art fair. Now, I’m convinced we need a gallery here,” said the founder of the eponymous New York and London gallery during a whirlwind visit to meet local clients.
To cultivate awareness of the 51 artists it represents, and demand for their works, the David Zwirner Galllery wants to be able to put on exhibitions in Hong Kong and engage in dialogue with Asian clients outside of the art fairs. Massimo De Carlo, the Milan and London gallery, also announced recently that it will open a third branch in Pedder Building, Central, in a space previously occupied by Ben Brown Fine Art, which has decided to downsize. MDC will launch with a solo exhibition by Chinese artist Yan Pei-ming on March 21, during Art Basel week.
The arrival of Zwirner, named the third most influential person in the contemporary art world by ArtReview magazine, would be a big vote of confidence in the long-term prospects of the Hong Kong art market amid economic uncertainty and growing competition from other cities in the region. Among the artists he represents are Jeff Koons, Yayoi Kusama and Richard Serra.
The years 2011 and 2012 saw a flurry of major international galleries, such as Gagosian Gallery and White Cube, open in Hong Kong after auction sales in the city doubled from 2009 to 2010. But there have been few additions since Pace Gallery opened in 2014.