Cover Patrick On, founder of Qing Gallery
Patrick On, founder of Qing Gallery
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Qing Gallery has come a long way since its establishment in December 2021
After launching on a high note with its inaugural exhibition titled Forever is Now, featuring works from artist Jacky Tsai—who is also a resident artist at Qing Gallery—the successful show, which saw most of the art being sold out, was just the beginning of the gallery’s triumphs.
“Since then, we’ve grown and come to represent some great talents in the art scene. Among them are world-renowned and established living artists like Jacky Tsai, Ren Zhe, Anton Molnar—of which Qing Gallery has exclusive representation within the country. Then there are other international names such as Jisbar, Mirror Art Duo, and a number of local artists like Karwai Chan,” shares Patrick On, the founder of and advisor for Qing Gallery, who is also an art collector.
On top of developing partnerships with artists, Qing Gallery has also done many successful brand collaborations. “We have partnered with a number of prestigious brands like Rolls-Royce, McLaren, Louis XIII and some banks to conduct art shows or talks, including advising private banking clients on how to invest in art,” On continues about his gallery’s successes. The gallery also had a pop-up presence in Sentosa, Singapore, last year as part of Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience after having artwork displayed in Amber Lounge Singapore in 2022.
Building on the positive outcomes of Qing Gallery’s collaborations and the network it has built, On also shares that the next goal this year is to start an art club. “Having been in the art industry for a while, I realise there are people out there who appreciate art but don’t know where to start with their own collection. So, as a gallery, we want to help advise them and share our artwork as well. This art club aims to gather like-minded individuals to get together, exchange knowledge, and be a platform to safely trade works,” says On about his vision to start Qing Club.
The art club will first be set up in Singapore but will be available throughout the region. Therefore, while the administration of Qing Club operates from Singapore, recruitment and investments can be made within Southeast Asia, while its physical presence remains in Qing Gallery, Desa Parkcity, Kuala Lumpur. The main reason for this is that Qing Gallery has plans to open up in other countries in the near future as well.
But before that happens, Qing Gallery is first going to organise an interesting festival, titled Artsylum, which will also be duplicated regionally; thus, making the nation proud as well, for having a homegrown festival expand to other countries.
Artsylum will see the worlds of art, music, and cars collide as the festival promotes a lifestyle concept that essentially brings together artists and collectors. “Artsylum is a combination of ‘Art’ and ‘Asylum’, evoking a sense of artistic sanctuary—a space where creativity can be celebrated and nurtured,” On says.
“This lifestyle event highlights talent in the art and music scene, where supercar and watch collectors, who are also part of the guest list, will be able to discover how art can be part of their collections or investments,” explains On. “The point is to celebrate creativity and to nurture talent. The event will also include other galleries, and we’ve spoken to art bodies of countries within the region to expand the festival.”
According to him, Artsylum will kick off with a Vernissage night before being opened to the public. Festival-goers can expect to see an art competition taking place, in addition to musical performances and the opportunity to view luxury watches and supercars displayed in Desa Parkcity.
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Photography: Fady Younis
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If tall, dark and handsome is what you're looking for, Aaron Pereira ticks two out of three. This fine chocolate man (that is, a connoisseur of fine chocolate), enjoys the theatre, futsal, real-life conversations and of course, the English language. He believes that language should first be used to express, but the business of a sub-editor is to impress.
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