Meet Kevin Poon, the polymath of the Hong Kong art scene

Art Basel is coming to Hong Kong this week, and is more eagerly anticipated than ever. It’s the first time the art fair has come to the city after its remaining travel restrictions were lifted in December, allowing Hong Kong to thrive once again as an international hub.

Kicking off on Thursday 23 March, Art Basel Hong Kong will feature 177 exhibitors from 32 countries and territories. For an insider’s look at the fair and the city’s dynamic art scene, we spoke to Soho House member Kevin Poon, founder of WOAW Gallery, and someone who truly embodies Hong Kong’s ever-changing cultural landscape. 

Having worked as an entrepreneur in fashion and culture, as well as being a DJ, Poon opened WOAW Gallery in Hong Kong in 2019. Beginning in Wan Chai, WOAW has since added a second gallery space in Central Hong Kong with an outpost in Beijing’s iconic Blanc Art Space, alongside its latest and largest venue in Singapore’s Ann Siang Hill, which opened in January 2023. 

When asked what attracts him to a particular artist, Poon admits that he has to be captivated by his vision of the world – be it emerging talents from Hong Kong or international artists he is bringing to Asia. WOAW is more than just a series of exhibition spaces, it’s a hub for artists, curators, galleries, and entrepreneurs. 

To celebrate the return of Art Basel, we sat down with Poon to talk about his career in art, his international lifestyle and what he loves most about his native Hong Kong. 

You’ve been working in the cultural space for a while. What has led you to art?
‘I became interested in art in 2003 when I was into sneaker and street-style culture, and following street artists who I really liked, such as José Parlá, Kaws and Futura 2000. I started to get into it from learning about them and hanging out with them. Later, I discovered names like Daniel Arsham, Darren Romanelli and Jonas Wood, as well as more fine arts and museum shows. And then I started collecting one thing here, one thing there from all of my friends – and it just became a full thing. Now we have a gallery, I’m curating shows and we have four spaces, so we’re really excited for Art Basel Hong Kong to come back.’ 

Do you spend most of your time in Hong Kong or do you also travel a lot?
‘This year I’ve been spending a lot of time travelling. I was just in LA last week, the week before I was in Tokyo and the week before I was in Thailand. And I think the schedule is just going to keep picking up.’

What’s your favourite thing about the art and cultural scene in Hong Kong?
‘The greatest thing here is the people and the community, and also just being able to touch the lives of different artists. Sometimes I meet artists that are just starting out and emerging, so to see them have a full career is amazing. For instance, some that we meet early on might be struggling to pay rent, but then they hit a good stride and things are going well. That’s the most inspiring part of what we do. 

‘I think one of the conversations that we have a lot is how to democratise the art world, because back in the day it used to be reserved for some selected elite few. But I think as time goes by, art is becoming more and more democratised, and everyone can understand it. So, hopefully, it’ll be something that my kids and future generations can really enjoy.’

What are the key things you look for when choosing artists to exhibit or collect? 
‘I think it’s something that has to strike a chord within me and be captivating. A lot of the time the perspective of the artist is also important, their technique and other different factors. But I have to be engaged.’

You obviously visit a lot of art events globally. When it comes to Art Basel in Hong Kong, what stands out to you the most?
‘I think this year we’re all really anticipating it because this is the first time in three years people internationally could travel to Hong Kong. There are going to be many different, interesting openings, shows and parties – we’re planning a few right now ourselves. It seems like a lot of people are coming back to town, and I’m really excited to greet all of them and reunite with others.’

For those who have never been to Art Basel Hong Kong, what can they expect to see around the city?
‘There is the main fair in the Convention & Exhibition Centre, and the M+ museum currently has Yayoi Kusama’s show on. And then all of the other galleries are having art show openings and dinners and events, so it should be a pretty full-on experience.’

What would you say is really worth seeing apart from art in Hong Kong? 
‘Obviously, I think Soho House would be a really good stop for people. M+ museum is a must and, of course, our gallery, WOAW – especially our current exhibitions.’

As a member, what’s your favourite thing about Soho House Hong Kong?
‘I think it’s really special because it’s captivating the younger audience, and they always have really fun parties there. I’m looking forward to DJing and throwing a party to celebrate our exhibition opening on Friday. I think Soho House globally is known to be a kind of melting pot of creatives and people of all different ages.’ 

Explore Soho House Hong Kong here.