Episodes

  • In this episode of The Pearl Lam Podcast, Pearl has an inspiring conversation with Seoul-based visionary designer Kuho Jung. Kuho shares the captivating story of his creative journey, beginning with his unexpected start by opening a bar, to working at Samsung, and eventually taking the bold step of launching his own acclaimed fashion line.

    A true trailblazer in the world of fashion, Jung Kuho’s brilliance reaches far beyond the runway. His creative influence spans theatre, dance, and even curating, making him a multifaceted artist who has shaped the artistic landscape in profound ways. His innovative approach and passion for storytelling through art continue to inspire many.

  • In this episode, Pearl sits down with DJ Raiden in his Seoul studio to delve into the evolution of his unique sound and remarkable journey. Starting as a classically trained guitarist, Raiden transitioned into the world of electronic music, quickly rising to become one of the most sought-after DJs and producers in the global music scene.

    Throughout their conversation, DJ Raiden shares valuable insights into his creative process, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how he crafts his signature sound.

    As they dive deeper, Raiden reflects on the role that Seoul's vibrant culture plays in shaping his music. From the bustling streets to the rich musical traditions, the city's energy and diversity are woven into the fabric of his sound, creating a unique blend that resonates with audiences worldwide.

  • Missing episodes?

    Click here to refresh the feed.

  • In this episode of The Pearl Lam Podcast, Pearl welcomes Mei Chen into her London home. As the Head of Luxury and Fashion for the Globalisation Business at The Alibaba Group, Mei shares her insights on technology, work ethic, and the evolving landscape of the commercial world.

    Known for her pivotal role in bringing luxury brands to China through cutting-edge innovations, Mei offers a unique perspective on the intersection of fashion and technology.

  • In this episode, Pearl sits down with Melissa Chiu in her New York studio for an in-depth conversation about the differences between contemporary art and conceptual art, bridging the gap between East and West and much more.

    Melissa Chiu is a renowned curator and museum director known for her deep expertise in contemporary art and her dedication to bridging Eastern and Western art practices. As the director of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Melissa has significantly expanded the museum's global influence, curated groundbreaking exhibitions, and encouraged dialogue between diverse cultural perspectives.

  • This week, Pearl Lam talks to Philip Colbert about his early life, illustrious career and his connection to lobsters. Philip Colbert, dubbed the "godson of Andy Warhol," shares his unique perspective on the fusion of fun and fine art.

    Renowned for his larger-than-life lobster persona and immersive art experiences, Philip discusses his creative process, the influence of digital media on contemporary art, and how he pushes the boundaries of traditional art forms to create a dynamic and interactive experience for his audience. Subscribe and turn on notifications to never miss an episode of The Pearl Lam Podcast.

  • In this episode of The Pearl Lam Podcast, Pearl engages in a compelling conversation with renowned architect Kulapat Yantrasast. From his beginnings in Bangkok to his transformative training under the legendary Tadao Ando in Japan, and now his influential work in Los Angeles, Yantrasast shares the journey that has shaped his unique approach to architecture. Pearl delves into the philosophies and experiences that drive Yantrasast's designs, offering listeners an opportunity to discover the stories behind some of his most iconic projects. Yantrasast discusses how his diverse cultural background and professional experiences contribute to his ability to create spaces that inspire and deeply resonate with those who experience them. Don't miss this insightful episode filled with valuable perspectives from an architectural pioneer. Subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated and catch the full episode!

  • In this episode of The Pearl Lam Podcast, host Pearl Lam is joined by Nadja Sayej, a seasoned fashion journalist, author, and art critic based in New York City. With a dynamic career spanning 15 years, Nadja has conducted over 1,000 celebrity interviews, engaging with prominent figures like Salma Hayek, David Lynch, and Jean Paul Gaultier. Her rich background includes nearly a decade in Berlin as an art critic and foreign correspondent, where she covered a vast array of events from red carpets to Paris Fashion Week, as well as numerous exhibition and museum openings. In this episode, Pearl and Nadja delve into the evolving landscape of art criticism, the allure and influence of celebrities, and the challenges and triumphs of carving out a successful career independently. They also explore the unique and often quirky aspects that define the art world, offering listeners an engaging and thought-provoking discussion. You can visit Nadja’s website here: https://nadjasayej.com/

  • In this episode of The Pearl Lam Podcast, Pearl Lam visits the Brooklyn studio of renowned artist Leonardo Drew. Join Pearl and Leonardo as they delve deep into Leonardo's remarkable artistic journey, exploring his evolution from early childhood creations to his breathtaking public art exhibitions. The two discuss everything from the political nature of art, Chinese ancient and contemporary art, the use of natural materials in Leonardo's work and much more.

    To learn more about Leonardo visit: https://www.pearllam.com/artist/leonardo-drew/

  • In this episode, Pearl Lam and Malcolm Clarke delve into the intricate dynamics between China and the West through the lens of objective filmmaking. Malcolm Clarke, a celebrated documentarian known for his incisive and thought-provoking works, shares his experiences and insights into navigating the cultural complexities and political landscapes inherent in his cinematic endeavors.

    The conversation offers a deep dive into Clarke's unique approach to illuminating societal issues, providing a fresh perspective on global relations. Pearl and Malcolm explore Clarke's commitment to objectivity in his filmmaking, examining the challenges he faces in maintaining neutrality amid polarised discussions. Clarke reflects on the perceptions of his work, discussing the delicate balance of addressing sensitive topics while striving to present an unbiased narrative.

    Malcolm candidly shares anecdotes from his career, highlighting moments where cultural misunderstandings and political tensions have shaped his storytelling. Clarke's reflections offer valuable lessons on the power of storytelling in bridging cultural divides and promoting a more informed and empathetic global community.

  • In the latest episode of The Pearl Lam Podcast, Pearl Lam and Dominic Ng take part in a fascinating discussion. Dominic Ng has been the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of East West Bank for the last 32 years. He has received numerous accolades for his business achievements and philanthropic endeavours, contributing significantly to cultural understanding between American and Asian communities. During their discussion, the pair delve into topics including Dominic Ng’s appointment by President Biden as the chair of the 21-nation business council. He complied a 54-page report addressing global crises such as climate change and encroaching cyber security threats.

    The pair also discuss the intersection of money, culture and influence within banking. Dominic Ng also explains East West Bank's investment strategies, which aim to bridge the gap between East and West.

  • In this episode of The Pearl Lam Podcast, Pearl engages in an insightful and inspiring conversation with renowned restaurateur and visionary Mourad Mazouz. Mourad is the creative genius behind the highly recognisable London restaurant, sketch, a destination famed not only for its culinary excellence but also for its vibrant fusion of art, design, and music. sketch stands out in the crowded London dining scene for its eclectic interior, designed to offer patrons an immersive experience that transcends the typical restaurant visit. Each room within sketch boasts its own unique aesthetic, from the playful Gallery, lined with art exhibits, to the opulent Lecture Room & Library, which has earned multiple Michelin stars for its exquisite cuisine.

    In this episode, Pearl and Mourad explore passions and how he has profoundly influenced the ambiance and ethos of sketch. Mourad shares the path that led him into the restaurant industry, starting from his early days in Paris to becoming a pivotal figure in London's gastronomic landscape. He recounts his journey with candid anecdotes, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs he has faced along the way. Additionally, Mourad provides insight into his current and future projects, revealing his ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of culinary and artistic expression. He discusses his collaborations with artists, designers, and musicians, emphasising his belief in the power of creativity and innovation to transform dining into a multi-sensory experience.

  • In the latest episode of The Pearl Lam Podcast, Pearl engages in a captivating conversation with Judith Regan. As a distinguished TV host, publisher, writer, and editor, Judith Regan has collaborated with some of the most influential figures of our time, including Howard Stern, Rush Limbaugh, and Gregory Maguire. Notably, she conducted one of the most controversial interviews in history with O.J. Simpson.

    During their discussion, Pearl and Judith delve into the highs and lows of Judith's dynamic career. They explore her pivotal role in bringing the renowned novel "WICKED" to the public, shedding light on her unique perspective and contributions to the publishing industry. Judith also opens up about the infamous O.J. Simpson interview, revealing how it profoundly impacted her personal and professional life.

    To learn more about Judith Regan visit: https://www.reganarts.com/

    About Pearl Lam (林明珠):

    Pearl Lam (林明珠) is a gallerist and cultural influencer and is a leading authority on Asian art and the global contemporary art market, with a network spanning the world. The Financial Times calls Pearl Lam “a powerhouse of the contemporary art world”. The New York Times calls her "a tour de force of the art world”. And Forbes names Pearl Lam as “one of Asia’s most powerful women”. For over 20 years Pearl Lam has also been at the forefront of reimagining China’s cultural place in the world. She has played a key role in elevating Chinese contemporary art and artists into the international market. She has also turned many international artists into ‘rockstars’ in the huge Chinese and Asian markets. Her Pearl Lam Galleries is a driving force within Asia’s contemporary art scene, with spaces in Hong Kong and Shanghai. The gallery is globally recognised for its intellectual ambition. Pearl Lam also has a longstanding commitment to promoting exchange between Asia and the Western world.

  • In this episode of The Pearl Lam Podcast, Pearl interviews David Barboza about the complex relationship between China and the US and his experiences as a Western journalist living in China. They delve into the current state of China-US relations, with David sharing fascinating stories from his time in China, including visits to US-sponsored manufacturing factories and in-depth journalistic investigations.

    David Barboza is an award-winning American journalist who won the Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting and Explanatory Reporting while serving as a foreign correspondent for The New York Times. In April 2020, he co-founded The Wire China, a digital news platform dedicated to exploring China's economic rise and its significant influence on global business, finance, trade, labor, and the environment.

    To find out more about David Barboza and The Wire China visit: https://www.thewirechina.com/

    About Pearl Lam (林明珠):

    Pearl Lam (林明珠) is a gallerist and cultural influencer and is a leading authority on Asian art and the global contemporary art market, with a network spanning the world. The Financial Times calls Pearl Lam “a powerhouse of the contemporary art world”. The New York Times calls her "a tour de force of the art world”. And Forbes names Pearl Lam as “one of Asia’s most powerful women”. For over 20 years Pearl Lam has also been at the forefront of reimagining China’s cultural place in the world. She has played a key role in elevating Chinese contemporary art and artists into the international market. She has also turned many international artists into ‘rockstars’ in the huge Chinese and Asian markets. Her Pearl Lam Galleries is a driving force within Asia’s contemporary art scene, with spaces in Hong Kong and Shanghai. The gallery is globally recognised for its intellectual ambition. Pearl Lam also has a longstanding commitment to promoting exchange between Asia and the Western world.

    林明珠是一位畫廊廊主和文化方面極具影響力的人,同時也是亞洲藝術和全球當代藝術市場的頂尖權威,在全球範圍內擁有廣泛的人脈。《金融時報》稱林明珠為“當代藝術界的龐然大物”;《紐約時報》稱她為“藝術界的頂流”;《福布斯》將林明珠列為“亞洲最具影響力的女性之一”。 20多年以來,林明珠致力於重新定義中國的文化地位。她的存在於協助中國當代藝術和藝術家進入國際市場不可或缺。與此同時,她也將許多國際藝術家打造成了在龐大的中國以及亞洲市場上的“搖滾巨星”。 她的藝術門畫廊是亞洲當代藝術界向前推進的動力,在香港和上海都擁有展廳。該畫廊因其遠大抱負而在全球范圍內得到認可,林明珠也一直致力於促進亞洲與西方世界之間的文化交流。

  • In this episode of The Pearl Lam Podcast, award-winning film director, Ray Yeung, discusses his career with long-time friend, Pearl Lam. Ray Yeung is a distinguished screenwriter and independent film director renowned for his poignant exploration of gay narratives. With a career marked by a profound dedication to telling authentic stories, Yeung has become a luminary in the realm of cinema. In this episode, Pearl Lam learns about Ray Yeung’s winning of the prestigious Teddy Award for Best LGBTQ-themed Feature Film. Ray Yeung’s new Hong Kong drama film, ‘All Shall Be Well’, was recently officially released on May 1st. The pair also discuss Ray Yeung’s position of Chairman at the Hong Kong Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, the longest running LGBT film festival in Asia.

  • In this episode of The Pearl Lam Podcast, John Lim shares his reflections on Singaporean culture and the role of plants in influencing his unexpected career change.

    John Lim is the founder of This Humid House, a botanical design studio founded in Singapore that is committed to developing a language expressed through plants and flowers. The studio has shaken up the floristry industry in Singapore with its non-conformist work.This Humid House, has made a name for itself with designs created for luxury brands such as Kenzo, Cartier, Franck Muller and many others.

    Pearl and John delve into the connection between floristry design and contemporary art whilst also dissecting cultural influences, differences and similarities.

  • Élise Gonnet-Pon is the Managing Director France - Europe of L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts. Élise has been with Van Cleef & Arpels for over 20 years and has overseen the development of high-jewelry collections. Following this, Élise moved over to education.

    L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts was established in 2012 in the heart of Paris with a commitment to inclusivity and a passion for the world of jewelry. In this episode, Élise Gonnet-Pon sits down with Pearl Lam to shed light on the institution's visionary plans for the future. With a steadfast commitment to preserving the legacy of an ancient craft, they discuss how L’ÉCOLE endeavours to keep the flame of tradition alive while embracing innovation and inclusivity. Through their conversation, the enduring allure of jewelry craftsmanship emerges as a timeless pursuit accessible to all who seek its enchanting embrace.

  • Suhair Khan is a creative leader and entrepreneur with a background in culture and technology. In 2021, Suhair founded Open-Ended Design, a platform that serves as a creative incubator and research lab for emerging tech and AI. Khan's belief in the positive impact of the intersection between technology and culture drives her mission to expand the idea of technology and AI as a hopeful force in the world.

    Suhair Khan has a diverse range of roles, including chair of the board of trustees of dance choreographer Studio Wayne McGregor, and is on the advisory committees to the Design Museum, British Library, Sadler’s Wells, London Design Biennale and the UK’s Museum of the Year Prize.

    In this episode of The Pearl Lam Podcast, Suhair Khan shares her thoughts on artificial intelligence and the positive influence that it is having on art, creativity and education. For Suhair, the inception of modern AI has changed what it means to be human.

    Suhair and Pearl Lam also discuss how AI can be used in relation to education and environmental sustainability. Built off the back of extraction, industrialisation and manufacturing, can the technology industry really benefit the planet in the future?

  • In this episode host Pearl Lam sits down with acclaimed British artist Maggi Hambling for a revealing discussion about Maggi’s life and career ahead of the launch of Maggi Hambling: The Night, a solo exhibition by Maggi Hambling at Pearl Lam Galleries, Printing House, 6 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong, from 26 March to 16 May 2024. The exhibition also coincides with Art Basel Hong Kong 2024, where Pearl Lam Galleries will also be exhibiting Maggi’s work.

    Maggi Hambling occupies a unique position as an artist who has consistently embraced a spirit of rebelliousness throughout her career, making her one of the most celebrated female artists in the British art scene. Joining Pearl Lam and Maggi Hambling is Louisa Buck, a British art critic and art journalist who has made significant contributions as an author and co-author of books focusing on the intricate workings of the contemporary art market.

    Together they delve into topics including Maggi and Louisa’s joint stint on 1980s gameshow Gallery, and Maggi’s exploration of the seduction and intimacy. Maggi shares insightful new stories and anecdotes from throughout her life and career from childhood to the present day; describes how the night time has been an enduring subject, having first painted the night sky from her bedroom window at age fourteen.

    Rooted in her own lived experiences, Hambling’s work remains a reflection of and draws inspiration from people, places, and her identity as a pioneering artist with a queer perspective. Viewing painting as an intimate and physical experience, Hambling believes that regardless of the time dedicated to a painting, it must culminate in a single moment—akin to the profound physicality of love.

    Learn more about ‘Maggi Hambling: The Night’ at: https://www.pearllam.com/exhibition/the-night-a-solo-exhibition-by-maggi-hambling/

  • Through her 'Judith Benhamou Reports' https://judithbenhamouhuet.com/ esteemed journalist Judith Benhamou has access to the most influential professionals in the art world, presenting interviews with artists, both recognized and up and coming, and offering an insider perspective on fairs and exhibition openings, exclusive videos, and unconventional visits to sites of artistic creation across the globe.

    In this episode of The Pearl Lam Podcast, Judith Benhamou shares her reflections on the essence of French identity in the year 2024. For Benhamou, the art of being French transcends mere nationality: it embodies an openness of mind and a dedication to cultural enrichment without being "shallow". Judith Benhamou is a seasoned journalist, independent curator and author, whose career is a testament to her deep engagement with the artistic community.

    Benhamou’s approach is characterised by directness and an uncensored perspective, held together with passion and intellectual curiosity. Her longstanding tenure as a columnist for Les Echos, a leading French economic newspaper, has further cemented her reputation. In the full episode of The Pearl Lam Podcast, Pearl Lam and Judith Benhamou discuss how French culture conquered the world. They also explore topics including the Americanisation of French culture, and 'The Emily in Paris Effect'.

  • In this episode of The Pearl Lam Podcast Maaike Doyer tells Pearl Lam why she believes women need the courage to invest and offers a compelling perspective regarding women in the venture capital and entrepreneurial landscape.

     

    Maaike Doyer is the founder of Epic Engels, the largest female-only angel investor network in the Asia Pacific region. Rejecting traditional feminist labels, she views women as change-makers rather than victims in need of special treatment. With a rich multicultural background and experiences spanning the US, Singapore and the Netherlands, Maaike is dedicated to using her expertise to make change across the globe.

     

    Maaike is also the creator of the acclaimed "Business Model Canvas" tool and is also deeply committed to academia and design.  She is a Professor at Singapore Management University and is a Board Member of Design Singapore.

     

    During this enlightening conversation Pearl and Maaike delve into the complexities of entrepreneurship, venture capital, and the limitless potential of women in the global business landscape. With insights drawn from Maaike's pioneering work and unwavering commitment, this episode is a thought-provoking exploration of leadership and innovation.