1981 marked the founding of Alisan Fine Arts by Alice King, establishing Hong Kong's longest-standing contemporary art gallery as we proudly celebrate our 45th anniversary this year. From its inception, the gallery distinguished itself as a visionary force, championing Chinese contemporary art at a time when such a platform was a rarity. With an original focus on Chinese artist representation, the New Ink movement, and the Chinese diaspora, Alisan Fine Arts cultivated a program of profound cultural resonance that bridged traditions and borders, and has now transformed into a space that extends this legacy into a contemporary narrative.

Under the founding stewardship of Alice King and the continued leadership of Director Daphne King, the gallery has mounted over one hundred exhibitions marked by curatorial distinction. Landmark presentations, including the first Hong Kong gallery exhibition of Zao Wou-ki, attest to a legacy of foresight and rigor. To commemorate this milestone year, the gallery has organized a series of exhibitions across its locations under the theme of "Then and Now", honouring the pioneering masters who shaped the gallery's early years while spotlighting the vibrant practices of a new generation.

Alisan Fine Arts has evolved from a cherished Hong Kong gallery into a global ambassador for Chinese contemporary art, with a permanent space in New York's prestigious Upper East Side established in November 2023, while also participating in numerous art fairs around the world. As we celebrate our 45th anniversary, we reflect upon our timeline of discoveries and look forward with renewed purpose, continuing to nurture a distinguished roster of artists and foster cross-cultural exchange with the pioneering spirit that has guided us from the beginning.