Heritouch Gallery: An eclectic oasis for Asian artists and the collectors who favour them

In one of the private inner rooms of the gallery, Tan proudly showcases a series of paintings by Ben Chong, all of which were marked as ‘sold’ to private collectors, save for one or two display pieces.

“You might find it hard to believe, but most of the time, we [select and vet artists] based off instinct,” Chai says. “Sometimes, good traders trade not only by analysis of the market but by instinct. They believe that this will be a good future investment, and they take that accountable risk after analysis.

“In our case, our selection of artists is by instinct, formed by years of experience from visiting big art exhibitions around the world, be it Art Basel in Hong Kong, Art 021 and Westbund in Shanghai. We’ve also visited world-class exhibitions in New York and Los Angeles.”

Focusing on artworks that tell a touching story, the down-to-earth couple travels extensively throughout Asia and Europe in search of artists who share their values regarding art that has shared inter-generational value.

“This whole idea of art being a family asset, a cultural asset, inspires us. We try our best to deliver the message to our clients about art as an inheritance asset. At Heritouch Gallery, we set aside two to three hours for each client to explain the story behind the artwork, the value of art as an inheritance asset, how to appreciate art, and how art itself appreciates in terms of physical value with the passing of time,” Tan explains.

“You’d be surprised to learn that 85 per cent of our clientele are under 45 years old and younger. Many of them are second-generation business owners of listed companies in Malaysia, young leaders who appreciate art and who value the fact that no other gallery will take the time to share with them the story behind each painting at length,” she adds.

As an investment, the founders realised that art has value that transcends financial returns alone. They’ve also seen firsthand how much of an impact art can make in empowering the lives of underprivileged artists for the better. Heritouch Gallery’s recent Painting Dreams Alive charity art show, for instance, featured stunning works by artists with disabilities ranging from autism and Down syndrome to hearing impairments. More than 60 per cent of the artworks in the show were sold to collectors.   

“Art really changes lives,” Chai says, sharing how the couples’ CSR-driven project, Heritouch Art School, exists to train B40 artists, give them a platform in this highly competitive industry, and market their works sustainably. “These disabled artists use art, make art, sell it, and make a living with pride. You can see how fulfilled it makes them, being able to use art to earn their living and not rely on donations.”

Looking ahead, Tan predicts a greater appreciation for art among Malaysians, and not just among higher-income individuals. “I think art is the next big trend for the next 20 years,” she says, revealing with a grin that she and Chai have amassed a personal collection of over 60 artworks in their home.

“Carina Lau once said, ‘A house without art is actually just a show unit’. Makes sense, right?” adds Chai. “Art fills up empty spaces in our lives. It makes your home reflect your character and who you are as a family. It’s not the same as looking at a bank account. It’s something that future generations will look at and be inspired, remembering the message you want to pass to them long after you’re gone.”