On 8 November 2024, LARRY’S LIST announced the annual LARRY’S LIST Greater China Collector Awards in Shanghai. The awards aim to recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions and commitments of private art collectors, private art museums and art foundations to the cultural landscape of China.
Having strong ties to China and being headquartered in Hong Kong, LARRY’S LIST has always been giving special focus on the happening in and around China. Since LARRY’S LIST China was officially established in 2021, in just over three years, it has continuously expanded its network with Chinese collectors, fostering an ever-growing Chinese art community.

“The launch of the LARRY’S LIST Art Collector Awards marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to celebrate excellence in the art world,” states Christoph Noe, co-founder of LARRY’S LIST. “It underscores our dedication to acknowledge and to highlight individuals and institutions who have been supporting significantly to the advancement of the art scene. Their contributions not only enrich the local but also the global cultural landscape and continuously inspire future generations of art collectors and enthusiasts.”
Tyra Wang, China Partner of LARRY’S LIST, believes that “LARRY’S LIST Collectors Awards aims to fully showcase the unique perspectives of the collectors from Greater China, thereby positively and actively influencing the market, and using this opportunity to foster dialogue and exchange between China and the rest of the world.”
The selection process for the LARRY’S LIST Collector Awards was done by LARRY’S LIST’s own exhaustive in-house research considering factors like uniqueness, relevance, professionalism, aesthetic perception and contribution to and beyond the art community.

The winners of the LARRY’S LIST Art Collector Awards 2024 are:

Best Private Collection Exhibition Award: David Chau, Shanghai
Global Collector Distinction Award: Jenny Yeh, Taipei
Pioneering Collection Concept Award: the soil collection, Beijing
Outstanding Newly Opened Art Space Award: J7 Art, Shanghai
Private Collection Interior Award: Sophia Luo and Coobe Wang, Guangzhou
Museum Architecture Excellence Award: He Art Museum (HEM), Shunde
Public Voice Award: Zhu Zhu, Beijing

The announcement of the award winners took place on 8 November 2024 coinciding with art week Shanghai, at the LARRY’S LIST Collector’s Gala Dinner at The Art Resort in the Mao Ma Warehouse at the Yangpu Binjiang riverside. In conjunction with the Collector Award Ceremony, forums and off-line events took place, providing attendees with the opportunities for in-depth discussions, sharing, and networking. The mission of the events is also to further bridge between the Chinese art community and the wider Asia and Europe regions.

Best Private Collection Exhibition Award – David Chau ｜Shanghai

David Chau has been awarded the “Best Private Collection Exhibition Award” for his exhibition “Crossing the River by Feeling the Collectors,” curated by Xu Zhen in 2023 at C-PARK Haisu, Shanghai. This extraordinary showcase features nearly 100 works by 90 artists from 24 countries, highlighting a diverse array of contemporary art that blends both Chinese and Western perspectives. The backbone of the show is Chau’s own collection, held by his nonprofit Cc Foundation, which boasts nearly 1,000 artworks from 250 artists. Spanning five floors and various media, the immersive exhibition creates a rich panorama of 21st-century art, inviting audiences to engage with profound themes that traverse history, culture, and speculative futures. Notable pieces include Gu Dexin’s provocative “16.06.1997-31.10.2001” and Douglas Gordon and Philippe Parreno’s video installation “A 21st Century Portrait” (2006).
Having collected art for over two decades, Chau brings a seasoned perspective that emphasizes depth and quality over transient trends. The exhibition showcases significant works from both renowned Chinese as well as prominent Western artists, creating a vibrant dialogue between diverse artistic practices. The absence of trendy art is replaced by a more subtle refined selection, with the notable inclusion of a number of installation and video. The exhibition makes a powerful statement while remaining subtle and understated rather than loud or flashy. Through this thoughtfully curated collection, Chau encourages audiences to think critically about the issues presented in contemporary art, ultimately enhancing his role as a key figure in the Shanghai art scene and beyond.

Global Collector Distinction Award – Jenny Yeh ｜Taipei

Taipei-based art collector Jenny Yeh, has been honored with the “Global Collector Distinction Award” for her significant contributions to the global arts community. Through her work at Winsing Art Place, she has focused on amplifying contemporary Taiwanese as well as international art by curating impactful exhibitions fostering cultural dialogue and exchange.
In 2018, Yeh founded the Winsing Arts Foundation and in 2021 established Winsing Art Place, an innovative art space and bookstore that shares contemporary art with the public. This venue has become a dynamic cultural center where visitors can engage with cutting-edge exhibitions, artist talks, and workshops. It exemplifies Yeh’s commitment to making contemporary art accessible and fostering a deeper appreciation within the neighborhood. Noteworthy exhibitions include solo shows for Haegue Yang, Nan Goldin and Roni Horn showcasing her dedication to highlighting contemporary artistic voices.
Yeh’s collection includes contemporary Taiwanese art as well as interant, reflecting her commitment to supporting local talent and fostering cultural dialogue. She emphasizes on the importance of promoting art education and nurturing artistic talent, reflecting her vision for a vibrant cultural landscape in Taiwan. For Ye “the most important aspect of collecting art is sharing.” And by sharing her collection and hosting diverse exhibitions, she enriches the community’s appreciation of contemporary art and creates a platform for discussions and exchange.

Pioneering Collection Concept Award – the soil collection｜Beijing

Founded in 2022 by Vince Guo and Aria Yang, the soil collection is known for its fluidity and openness, dedicated to creating a diverse art platform through nomadic curatorial practices and commissions for emerging artists. Their mission is to promote and support the diverse practices of young artists by collaborating with institutions and regions across China and internationally.
Vince Guo and Aria Yang focus on collecting works in non-traditional mediums such as installations, video art, and performance, using the soil collection as a vehicle to explore contemporary art’s engagement with subjectivity and identity. Their aim is to break free from market constraints and open up new fields of discussion.
Exhibitions like “Going Viral: Zombies, Pluribiosis, and Love of the Living Dead” (Shanghai) and the recent “The Show Must Go On” (Beijing) exemplify how the soil collection builds a more inclusive collecting system. Through collecting, exhibitions, and experimental projects, they nurture a fertile ground for experimental initiatives, enriching the art ecosystem with bold and innovative approaches.

Outstanding Newly Opened Art Space Award – J7 ART | Shanghai

J7 Art has been recognized with the “Best Newly Opened Space” award for its inaugural exhibition Posture of Space, which uniquely encapsulates the dynamic intersection of art and experiential design. The exhibition layout features seven distinct rooms, each conceived in collaboration with its participating artists, Gao Ruyun, Huang Zhe, Lou Ye, LU SISI, Tess Dumon, Thomas Canto, and Nathan Zhou. Each room offering visitors an individual, divers, rather solo-exhibition-style, immersive and thought-provoking experience.
Highlights include Gao Ruyun’s Approaching Infinity to Zero, which uses kinetic installations to create a space that contemplates infinity, drawing viewers into a meditative journey through time and space. The “Consciousness” series within this room features fluid ink brushstrokes that mimic ripples, symbolizing the interplay of subconscious thought and kinetic energy. In another room, Huang Zhe’s Story of Celestial Bodies engages with cosmic themes; works like “The Hidden Force” and “Blue Shift” explore human relationships through the lens of astronomical phenomena, reflecting humanity’s complex connections mirrored in the universe.
Located in the heart of Shanghai’s French Concession, J7 Art is not only a new exhibition space but a meaningful addition to the city’s cultural landscape. With the first show setting a high standard, the space encourages audiences to engage deeply with layered themes and immersive sensory experiences. This debut exhibition lays a solid foundation and naturally raises expectations for future shows, underscoring J7 Art’s commitment to enriching the local but surely also the regional and international contemporary art scene.

Private Collection Interior Award – Sophia Luo and Coobe Wang (Last Piece Collection)｜Guangzhou

Sophie Luo and Coobe Wang have been honored with the “Private Collection Interior Award” for their exceptional ability to transform their home into an immersive art environment. Their collection, known as the “Last Piece Collection,” features artworks chosen for their conceptual depth, moving beyond mere aesthetic appeal.
Their home includes a diverse range of unconventional and avant-garde pieces, complemented by carefully selected furniture such as mid-century sofas, creating a cohesive and stylish interior. While the space prominently displays numerous artworks, it does not feel like a “showroom” or primarily designed for an IG post; instead, it radiates warmth and intimacy, reflecting the essence of a family space.
This thoughtful integration of art and design demonstrates how living environments can embrace artistic expression while maintaining a sense of comfort and belonging. By curating a home that fosters personal narratives and everyday experiences, Sophie Luo and Coobe Wang showcase the profound impact of art on daily life. Their approach illustrates that a collection can serve as both a visual feast and a nurturing atmosphere, enriching the lives of those who inhabit it. This vision and execution exemplify the best of private collecting, making their home a source of inspiration and creativity that resonates deeply with visitors.

Museum Architecture Excellence Award – He Art Museum (HEM) | Shunde

The HE Art Museum (HEM) was awarded the “Museum Architecture Excellence Award” for its outstanding design by Tadao Ando, which seamlessly integrates art, architecture, and natural surroundings across an exhibition area of approximately 8,000 square meters. The museum’s circular form, highlighted by dual spiral staircases, exemplifies Ando’s philosophy of harmony and flow, creating a “sacred and serene” space for contemplation. Using Ando’s signature materials—smooth concrete, glass, and abundant natural light—HEM offers a serene atmosphere that encourages reflection and fluid movement through the galleries.
HEM’s architectural design creates a unique dialogue between the artworks and the space, where natural light enters through skylights and windows, continually transforming how each piece is perceived throughout the day. This harmony between natural and built environments represents Ando’s “interpretation of Eastern and Western cultural spaces,” allowing visitors to experience a profound connection to Guangdong’s Lingnan culture within a modern setting.
Set in Shunde, HEM fuses traditional Chinese elements with contemporary minimalism, symbolizing unity and cultural continuity while making a bold architectural statement. This thoughtful blend of cultural respect and modern form establishes HEM as a model for private museums, exemplifying how architecture can enhance and honor the art it houses. Because private museums often open at less frequent intervals, this award category considers those inaugurated within the past five years.

Public Voice Award – Zhu Zhu｜Beijing

Zhu Zhu, the renowned Chinese actor and celebrity from Beijing, has been awarded the “Public Voice Award” for her significant contributions to the contemporary art scene. As a passionate advocate for the arts, she has played a pivotal role in promoting artistic expression and cultural dialogue within China and internationally.
Her involvement in various art projects showcases her commitment to elevating emerging artists and innovative art forms. Zhu’s dynamic presence in film and media has sparked broader interest in contemporary art, encouraging her audience to engage with artistic concepts and themes. In 2024, she was invited by the Galleria Borghese in Rome to record a Chinese audio guide for the major Louise Bourgeois exhibition and engaged in a dialogue with the museum director on themes of art and femininity. Together with artist Tan Buru, she co-initiated the art project “Myths” in a Beijing apartment space, utilizing human waste materials for site-specific creations, sparking broader public reflections on artistic concepts.
Zhu Zhu’s extensive art collection reflects her philosophy that “every piece of art is a soul, a person.” Her collection includes works by internationally renowned artists such as Alex Katz, Tracey Emin, Sean Scully, and Hiroshi Sugimoto, as well as pieces from emerging artists both domestic and international, including Roksana Pirouzmand, Wang Jiajia, Ye Linghan, and Chen Han, she seeks to express her true self through her art journey. In her multifaceted roles—as a creator, spectator, and medium—Zhu Zhu is unafraid to navigate various identities while remaining focused on her mission to connect art and life.
The Public Voice Award recognizes Zhu Zhu’s role as a cultural ambassador who champions the arts, showcasing her dedication to shaping a vibrant artistic community. By using her platform to facilitate discussions about art’s significance, she inspires the next generation of creators, solidifying her status as a vital voice in today’s artistic dialogue in Greater China.

The trophy for this year’s Art Collector Award for Greater China was a specially commissioned piece by the outstanding young artist Cai Jian. Inspired by his existing body of work, the trophy takes the form of a stylized level—a tool commonly used in exhibition setups. Beyond its practical significance, the level symbolizes the delicate balance collectors must navigate when making decisions about their collections. Additionally, the word “level” carries a double meaning, representing the exceptional standards and refined aesthetic sensibilities of the award recipients.
The establishment of the LARRY’S LIST Art Collector Award marks a significant step forward in LARRY’S LIST efforts to recognize outstanding achievements in the arts. These awards reflect the long-term commitment to supporting individuals and institutions that make meaningful contributions to the field. LARRY’S LIST continuously aims to enrich the cultural landscape, both locally and globally, inspiring the next generation of art collectors and enthusiasts, and  supporting the development of the global art ecosystem.’