Lehmann Maupin Opens in Hong Kong with Lee Bul Show

New York gallery Lehmann Maupin will inaugurate its Hong Kong space with the work of South Korean artist Lee Bul. The show, which opens March 14, will include Bul’s new drawings and painted sculptures, along with earlier works.

Rem Koolhaas and his architectural firm OMA renovated Lehmann Maupin’s new gallery on the fourth floor of the Pedder Building—a historic edifice in Central district that already houses Gagosian Gallery, Ben Brown Fine Arts, Hanart TZ Gallery, Pearl Lam Gallery and Simon Lee Gallery.

According to founding partner David Maupin, the international expansion solidifies the gallery’s commitment to the region. “Hong Kong has a thriving art community,” Maupin said at the Thursday press conference. “Having a gallery here and doing [business] in real-time . . . is really important as opposed to coming every few months, as I have been doing for the past ten years.”

Courtney Plummer, who will direct the Hong Kong branch, added, “The artists we represent are also really excited about this move to Hong Kong. Many of them have never had shows here so this is a great opportunity for them to gain new audiences and exposure.”

In May, the gallery will present its second exhibition, organized by Louis Vuitton curator Hervé Mikaeloff, to coincide with Art Basel HK (ABHK). The gallery has yet to confirm their programing for ABHK, but did mention that the exhibition will include works by Lee Bul, Tracey Emin, and Mr., among others.