What was the first exhibition you ever hosted?

My first exhibition was New Anecdotes of Social Talk in 1995. I invited Liu Ye, Zhang Gong and Hong Hao for this group show. I tried to set some new challenges and put together a new exhibition which was different from political pop and cynical realism, which was common in China at that time.

I wanted people to look back on Chinese contemporary art and see a variety of different styles. 

What’s the most challenging exhibition you’ve ever hosted?

Beijing Voice: Together Or Isolated was the exhibition I hosted after I joined Pace. At that time, Chinese contemporary art was in the midst of an obvious change, where artists had built up more confidence about their own culture and weren’t afraid of showcasing it, whether it was from a social, ideological or political view point.

Which artist do you not currently represent who’d you love to work with and why?

Liu Ye. We have had several spiritual conversations, which reflect his love for reading, his creation and thought processes. His first show in China was the New Anecdotes of Social Talk show that I mentioned earlier. Since then, I have kept in touch with him.

He is not a productive artist but spends a lot time reading, thinking and experiencing. As a figurative painter, his understanding of forms is very impressive and can effortlessly collaborate extreme element of forms into allegorical figures.

We have been good friends for a long-time and discuss many things together. I don’t know why we have never talked about representing him. Maybe we just have to wait for the right moment.

See also: Art Insider: Katherine Schaefer

What’s the best thing about the art scene in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong’s art scene is so vibrant with such a diverse list of galleries, both local and international, as well as a great selection of museums and art centres and cultural institutions. I also feel Hong Kong artists are sincere and willing to communicate. Even though the number of artist isn’t as high as in other places, you can feel an exciting atmosphere here that is changing rapidly. 

What’s the worst thing about the art scene in Hong Kong?

It has to be the rent. It is challenging to find enough space, whether it is for showing or creating art.

Who is the most recent artist to join Pace and what excites you about their work?

Loie Hollowell is an exciting recent addition to the gallery roster. When I was working on an exhibition at Queens Museum in New York, she was working there; now, she presents her work at Pace and I work for her.

Which exhibition are you hosting next at Pace? 

This month we're opening a show by Nigel Cooke in Hong Kong. I'm also working on a show by Li Songsong at Pace Gallery in New York that will open in 2019. As a representative artist of Chinese contemporary painting, Li Songsong has won widespread attention for his unique and distinctive style. 

Next year, at our Hong Kong space in H Queen’s, we will present a solo exhibition of works by American sculptor Alexander Calder.

See also: Will Travel For Art: 10 Global Exhibitions To See This Winter

Which exhibitions will you be visiting around the world in the next year?

I wouldn’t miss the Venice Biennale.

Who in the art world most inspires you and why?

I would have to say Song Dong. From the first time I met him, I felt that in our relationship it was him representing me, instead of the other way around, which is a representation of the kind of person he is—warm and open to the different angles of beauty in the world.

His determination, encouragement and interaction towards people is unbelievable. I have known him for almost 30 years and am proud to say we have a solid relationship. This relationship encourages me to extend that to every artist I work with.

See also: Art Insider: Adriana Alvarez-Nichol