The young art collector, Sylvia Wang values research, education and consistent support for artists. When asked about the value of patronage, she speaks about the necessity for sustainable collecting, meaning long-term support for the entire arts ecosystem, including young artists, galleries, museums and academic institutions. Wang is an honoree of Tatler’s Gen.T in the Arts, serves as the Head of Asia, TRLab and is a Founding Patron of M+.
Here we speak to Wang about why photographs and collecting matter to her.
Installation of Hiroshi Sugimoto’s works at Benesse House Museum, 2006, Courtesy of Benesse House Museum
Who was the first artist that made an impact in your life?
One impactful experience was my first visit to the Setouchi Triennale in 2016. I was very lucky to stay at the beautiful Benesse House Museum, both a contemporary art museum and resort hotel on Naoshima Island. I had the chance to visit Hiroshi Sugimoto’s Architecture series at night and encounter his Seascapes series outside the seaside dining hall in the early morning. Even though the themes are different, I realised that Sugimoto’s subjects, what he concentrates on, are time, space and memory.
Can you tell us about the first photo-based work you collected?
It was a work from the <Sections> collection by Wolfgang Tillmans. It was, in fact, the poster of his first exhibition at David Zwirner Hong Kong in 2018. I was so obsessed with his seamless integration and observation of different genres and his balanced way of capturing still life.
Your work spans creative fields including art, fashion and technology. Why do you think collaboration among arts and other creative fields is important?
Collaborations motivate each person involved and simultaneously expand boundaries. For example, the pioneering technology art platform, TRLab presented AI2041, a program at PHOTOFAIRS Shanghai 2023. Inspired by stories in Chen Qiufan and Kai-Fu Lee’s book AI 2041: Ten Visions For Our Future, the program invited avant-garde digital artists to participate, and together showcase a special combination of art, technology and literature.
'I think sustainable support from collectors and patrons is essential.'
As the Founding Patron of M+, what would you say is the role of collectors and patrons in supporting local arts ecosystems?
I think sustainable support from collectors and patrons is essential. Besides collecting, constant research, academic exchanges, campaign promotion are important, and benefit the long-term development of artists and arts ecosystem.
Who are some current favourite photo-artists in your collection?
I started to collect Chen Wei’s photography around five years ago and now he’s becoming one of the leading photo-artists in Asia. He’s also among the Chinese artists exhibiting in the newly opened 目 Chine – A new generation of artists at Centre Pompidou in Paris. I’m really looking forward to his upcoming exhibitions in Ota Fine Arts Tokyo as well as Fotografiska Shanghai, and to see the new works and concepts that he’s experimenting with.
What do you think is the future of photography? What are you looking forward to seeing at PHOTOFAIRS Hong Kong?
The concept of ‘photography’ will become broader as various image-based mediums like new media, digital art and video art develop and widen the realm.
From works by renowned photographers to innovative creations by young cutting-edge talents, I’m looking forward to a dynamic presentation at PHOTOFAIRS Hong Kong, bringing a new vitality to the art scene of the city. I cannot wait to visit the first edition at the Central Harbourfront!
PHOTOFAIRS Hong Kong will take place 26-30 March 2025 (VIP Preview March 26) at the Central Harbourfront.
