Critics have been divided for years over which Asian capital best deserves to be considered the region’s arts hub. Hong Kong has always been high on the list of candidates, although the argument has been dented somewhat by the foot-dragging over the West Kowloon Cultural District. However, a recent exhibition by Damien Hirst and the arrival of Edouard Malingue, of the Paris-based Malingue Gallery family, is remaking the case for Asia’s world city.

Edouard Malingue Gallery stands aloof amid the phalanx of luxury boutiques in the heart of Central’s financial district. Designed by the internationally acclaimed OMA Asia, led by architect Rem Koolhaas, the gallery gives the illusion of being larger than its 750 square feet.

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“We wanted to achieve a museum-standard space to welcome visitors in Hong Kong,” Malingue says. “So we were very focused on details and the quality of the space.” The white plaster walls and seamless resin floors of the three conjoined viewing areas create a simple yet austere environment, serving to amplify the impact of the art.

And with artists of Picasso’s standing on show, it is little wonder that the reception has been so enthusiastic. “I was surprised to see the interest of Hong Kong people,” he says.

 

According to Malingue, the first exhibition – a career-spanning retrospective of the Spanish master – was a resounding success. The exhibition included works ranging from his blue period (1901-04), right through to his 1960s output, and recorded outstanding attendances. “Many questions on the life of the artist; many queries about prices. Some people were interested to know if it was a safe investment. [And] some were just fascinated by the life of the artist.”

Aside from Picasso, the gallery has also hung works by Camille Pissarro, Max Ernst and Fernand Léger. And while he comes from a Western art background, Malingue is well versed in contemporary Asian artists. One upcoming show features controversial Shanghai-based sculptor and performance artist Zhang Huan.

Malingue believes Hong Kong has the potential to become the art hub of Asia. “[Hong Kong] is extremely energetic, people are very hardworking [and] business is straight forward to conduct here,” he says. “Everything seems possible. Maybe like New York [was] 100 years ago.”

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The business of art is in the Malingue family blood, starting with Eduoard’s grandfather. “He was an art critic,” Eduoard says. “He wrote extensively on Gauguin and the Pont-Aven School. He was a scholar.” It was Malingue’s father, Daniel, who converted that knowledge and passion into a thriving dealership almost 50 years ago.

With competition fierce for top-quality works by famous artists, working with the family members gives the Malingues an advantage. “I feel more secure sharing it [information] with family,” he says. “We’re always looking for information on who owns what painting . . . [In this business, it’s] quite common to work with family, and share [this] information with your father and siblings.”

Indeed, keeping it in the family is working for the Malingue clan.