Taiwanese gallerist Nunu Hung is bridging the cultural divide between Asia and the United States through her galleries in Taipei and New York, providing a platform for artists from diverse backgrounds to share their work with global audiences.
Nunu Hung’s Galleries Foster Intercultural Dialogue between Taiwan and the U.S.
Despite the complexities of international relations, Taiwanese gallerist Nunu Hung remains committed to her mission of bridging the cultural divide between Asia and the United States. With her galleries in Taipei and New York, Hung has created a platform for artists from diverse backgrounds to share their work with global audiences.
Building a Cultural Bridge
From its inception in 2014, Hung’s gallery in Taipei aimed to fill a gap in the local art scene by showcasing internationally recognized artists. This philosophy remains unchanged, but her strategy in New York has expanded to emphasize survey shows and historical exhibitions. By working with artists’ estates and curating exhibitions that highlight the dialogue between contemporary and historical art, Hung seeks to deepen the understanding of artistic narratives and perspectives.
Overcoming Cultural Challenges
Hung acknowledges that cultural differences can pose a significant challenge when presenting artworks to diverse audiences. However, her gallery has cultivated a diverse program and roster that resonates internationally. By representing Asian artists alongside prominent American and European figures, Hung’s gallery has made it easier to navigate this challenge.
A Growing Interest in Asian Art
The reception of Asian artists in New York has been overwhelmingly positive, with a growing interest and market for their work. Hung has introduced American audiences to artists such as Shina Kuo, Jiang-Ze Jhong, Ya-Ting Kao, and Filipino artist José John Santos III.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, American Museum of Natural History, and Asia Society are among the top institutions showcasing Asian art in New York.
The Met's Temple of Dendur features an ancient Egyptian temple with Asian-inspired architecture.
Meanwhile, the Asia Society Museum holds a vast collection of modern and contemporary Asian art.
In 2020, over 1 million visitors attended these museums to experience Asian art and culture.
Fostering Experimentation and Emerging Talent
Hung’s vision extends beyond showcasing established artists. She has recently transformed the gallery’s lower floor into a dedicated project space for young artists. This platform provides early-career and international artists with the freedom to push boundaries and experiment with new mediums and concepts.
Looking Ahead
The gallery’s 2025 program, ‘Asian Voices,’ will spotlight works from Asia and the Asian diaspora through 2026. The inaugural exhibition by Alchemyverse will feature a captivating and immersive installation that explores multisensory experiences. Upcoming highlights in the Project Space include investigations into memory and identity, social dynamics during the pandemic, and the impact of social media on identity.
Alchemyverse is a blockchain-based virtual world that combines elements of gaming, social media, and cryptocurrency.
It allows users to create their own avatars, build structures, and engage in various activities within the virtual environment.
The platform utilizes non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to represent digital assets, enabling users to buy, sell, and trade them securely.
'Alchemyverse aims to provide a decentralized and immersive experience for its users, blurring the lines between the physical and virtual worlds.'
Navigating Uncertainties
Hung remains optimistic despite the potential threats posed by tariffs imposed under Trump’s trade policies. She acknowledges the need to adapt to new regulations but is confident that the artistic and cultural dialogue between the U.S. and Asia will endure.
A Future of Openness and Spontaneity
Looking ahead, Hung approaches the future with a sense of openness and spontaneity. Her team and she will continue to curate compelling exhibitions and foster creative exploration. With deep faith in both the artists they represent and the gallery itself, Hung believes that anything is possible. The unpredictability of working in the creative field is what she loves most about it – there’s always room for new ideas and unexpected opportunities.
