In this week’s episode of The Pearl Lam, I’m joined by Angelle Siyang-Le, Director of Art Basel Hong Kong.

We discuss the forces shaping the contemporary art world today, from differing perspectives between East and West, to how cultural value is formed and understood. As well as ...reflecting on Hong Kong’s position, and what it means to build a cultural centre in an increasingly interconnected world.

Discover the full episode now, available on YouTube and Spotify!

Western contemporary art can be very attractive, especially for younger artists.

But as Chinese artist Qiu Anxiong shares, the appeal changes once you begin to understand where your own roots are. After studying in Europe, he realised his foundation was not there, but in China.
That ...decision shaped everything that followed.

Continue the conversation with David Chan and Qiu Anxiong on The Pearl Lam Podcast.

Museums and galleries have long been styled as cultural landmarks in cities across the globe, opening their doors to anyone curious about art. Interestingly, I’ve noticed a new trend: one where auction houses are increasingly doing the same.

Many might consider auction houses to be ...bastions of mystery, but key players – think Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Philips, and Bonhams – are hard at work to draw in the public. This looks like exhibitions showcasing items meant to go under the hammer, in an attempt to both build a new reputation as approachable brands, as well as entice potential new collectors.

Times are certainly changing in the art world and I’m curious about a future where we get to see auction houses enjoy the same visitor numbers that a museum might. On top of that, I wonder if this does anything to stimulate the art market as a whole – and I look forward to finding out.

Reference: https://edition.cnn.com/2026/01/27/style/art-market-2026-bonhams-sothebys

#PearlLam #ContemporaryArt #AuctionHouse

Contemporary art shouldn’t be solely for a select audience, but for everyone. It should be for everyone.

As curator David Chan points out, the role of curators and institutions is not only to support artists, but also to make space for the work to exist – and to build a language around... it so people can come to it more easily.

From my latest episode of The Pearl Lam Podcast.

Building audiences’ widespread interest in culture requires more than a single museum; it involves partnerships by major players in the industry.

It means bringing major exhibitions from western museums closer to audiences, particularly those in Asia, who would not otherwise travel to ...see them.

Discover more now, only on The Pearl Lam Podcast. Available on YouTube and Spotify

I’m thrilled to share that my conversation with the brilliant Dr. Cleo Roberts Dr Cleo Roberts-Komireddi for her podcast, Art Worlds, is now live.

Hot off the heels of Art Basel Hong Kong, we had a lovely chat about my journey shaping Hong Kong and China’s art scenes. I also spoke ...about my mission to bridge the East and West through promoting a nuanced reading of Asian art to challenge common misconceptions.

Tune into the whole episode here:
https://shows.acast.com/art-worlds/episodes/art-worlds-hong-kong2

#PearlLam #ContemporaryArt #VisualArt #ArtPodcast

“Every biennial had to have a Chinese artist. Otherwise, you aren’t really a biennial.”

In this exchange, I reflect on a period when Chinese artists were in high demand internationally. As Qiu Anxiong continues, that moment brought real opportunities, with curators coming to China ...and artists gaining access to global exhibitions.

Join Qiu Anxiong, David Chan and I for the full episode, only on The Pearl Lam Podcast.

As technology companies grow, their role in culture becomes more visible.

In this exchange, artist Qiu Anxiong reflects on how companies such as Tencent and JD.com are investing in major museum projects in Shenzhen. It points to a shift where private capital is not only creating wealth, ...but also shaping cultural infrastructure.

Uncover more on The Pearl Lam Podcast, available on YouTube and Spotify.

There is a depth in Chinese art that comes from its own cultural and philosophical foundations.

Artist Qiu Anxiong speaks about the importance of grounding artistic practice in that history, not as a question of identity, but as a way of building meaning, continuity, and strength within ...the work itself.

Discover more of this discussion on The Pearl Lam Podcast.

Thank you Vincenzo La Torre from @scmp_style for having me share some of my recent and long-standing favourites!

In my interview, I touch on everything from my trusty @lamer sunscreen and @drbarbarasturm face cream – which loyally follow me to every art fair – to iconic fashion houses ...such as @schiaparelli and @irisvanherpen which serve as beacons of inspiration for me. And if you’re curious about any of my personal travel recommendations, I share many of those in the story too.

#PearlLam #ArtWorld #StylebySCMP

Thank you Vincenzo La Torre from @scmp_style for having me share some of my recent and long-standing favourites!

In my interview, I touch on everything from my trusty @lamer sunscreen and @drbarbarasturm face cream – which loyally follow me to every art fair – to iconic fashion houses ...such as @schiaparelli and @irisvanherpen which serve as beacons of inspiration for me. And if you’re curious about any of my personal travel recommendations, I share many of those in the story too.

Read the full piece here: https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/icons-influencers/article/3347849/style-according-pearl-lam-hong-kong-born-founder-pearl-lam-galleries

#PearlLam #ArtWorld #StylebySCMP

Is this a decline or a shift in where cultural validation comes from?

In this conversation, I’m joined by curated David Chan and artist Qiu Anxiong where we discuss whether Chinese contemporary art is moving away from relying on Western institutions. While recognition from Western ...museums still holds weight, the cultural power once centred in the West is no longer as dominant as it was 30 years ago.

The question now is not only about access, but also about where influence is moving.

Catch the full episode now, only on The Pearl Lam podcast.

You might dislike an artwork that I enjoy thoroughly, so taste is always subjective.

But when it comes to collecting art that you love, I recommend following your heart more than anything else.

#ArtBaselHongKong #ArtBasel #ContemporaryArt #ArtCollectors #ArtMarket

@artbasel Hong Kong brings together around 200 galleries over just a few days.

You will see everything from figurative to abstract artworks, while my @pearllamprojects booth will display pieces that embody my taste in art.