Founded in 2020 by artist and gallerist Shihui Zhou, Latitude Gallery has established itself as a cornerstone arts space within New York’s iconic Chinatown and cultivated a following and community-based on its ethos of presenting emerging and under-recognized creative voices as well as spotlighting Asian diasporic artists. A slew of recent and forthcoming shows has further solidified Latitude Gallery’s approach and program, and platformed a diverse range of artists to watch. In light of the constantly evolving—and often turbulent—art market and state of collecting, Zhou has nimbly adjusted her approach to helming the space, resulting in a dynamic program and growing presence on the international art world stage.

We caught up with Zhou to find out more about the goings on at Latitude, and how she has, or plans to, adjust course to further the gallery’s mission.

Shihui Zhou. Photo: Haoyu Zhao. Courtesy of Latitude Gallery.

Tell us a bit about the past year at the gallery since we last spoke, what have been some of the highlights or most memorable moments?

The past year, we celebrated another “surviving year” by hosting more than 10 exhibitions and participating in two successful art fairs. A standout moment was “Red Thread,” a group show curated by Anne-Laure Lemaitre, featuring 15 artists connected by the symbolic use of a red line. The show received an incredibly rewarding response from both the public and collectors.

Installation view of “Red Thread” (2023). Courtesy of Latitude Gallery, New York.

Other highlight exhibitions included “Our Currents Unleashed” by Shuling Guo and Nianxin Li, “Someplace” by Peishan Huang, Yasmine Anlan Huang, and Xi Li, and “BRACING” featuring Grace Chang, Youngmin Park, and Yanqing Pei. These curated and collaborative exhibitions have been key to maintaining our curatorial vision and marked a breakthrough in our efforts. Collaborating with art professionals like Rebecca Polanzke and Isis Davis-Marks has allowed Latitude to expand and deepen its mission of supporting impactful art and cultivating the Asian diaspora art community.

Installation view “Our Currents Unleashed” (2024). Courtesy of Latitude Gallery, New York.

Last year was pivotal for many in the art world. What were some of the unique challenges that Latitude Gallery faced this year, and how did these experiences influence your approach to the gallery’s future?

Let alone the slow market and difficult sales, along with delays in payments from collectors, etc. We did face a few extra challenges like artists not being able to participate in our planned exhibitions or booth at the last minute, despite our efforts to arrange shipping and logistics. Last month, I nearly had a heart attack dealing with a delayed international shipment for our September show! You know, these things happen. On our fifth year being an active gallery in New York, not much could really surprise us! These situations are challenging, but I try to keep the worry to a minimum, focusing on moving forward, solving problems, and keeping the shows on track. Each challenge teaches valuable lessons in curating a show and managing a gallery, and with every experience, we get better at navigating and becoming more prepared and flexible.

With summer’s end on the horizon, do you have any soon-to-open exhibitions that you can share with us?

We’re excited to kick off our fall season with “Whispers of Velocity,” the debut solo show in New York by Italy-based, Chinese artist Xintong Gao. Co-curated by one of our dearest collector friends, Neil Jiang, this exhibition will feature over 11 of Gao’s latest paintings. Gao’s work explores the balance between movement and stillness, drawing subtle inspiration from Italian Futurism and deeply influenced by Taoist philosophy. His vibrant, abstract compositions deconstruct and reconfigure visual elements, creating a dynamic interplay of color, form, and energy. It’s a powerful “East meets West” narrative, and we’re thrilled to bring his work to the New York audience for the first time.

Gao Xintong, Untitled 24#17 (2024). Courtesy of Latitude Gallery, New York.

Looking ahead, do you have any future shows or events planned that you are excited about?

This December, we’re excited to participate in the Untitled Miami 2024 for the first time, showcasing works by Ji Won Cha and Wenhui Hao, with a special feature on Tiantian Lou in the Nest sector. It’s truly an all-star roster, and we’re so excited to present U.K.-based artist Wenhui Hao’s U.S. debut during the fair!

Guided by the East meets West theme, our presentation highlights emerging Asian female artists and builds on the fair’s commitment to inclusivity, gender equality, and a global perspective. It is right up our alley!

Wenhui Hao, Red River (2024). Courtesy of Latitude Gallery, New York.

We’re also thrilled to announce that we’ll be presenting Yongqi Tang’s New York debut solo show this October, followed by Jesse Zuo’s very first solo exhibition in November.

We have been working with Yongqi Tang on various projects before, all are lovely collaborations. Currently a resident at the Fountainhead Residency program in Miami, Tang is preparing for her next solo exhibition, “The Open Venus,” set to open in October at our Chinatown space. This new body of work promises to continue her exploration of personal narrative, focusing on the depiction of open flesh and damaged bodies, pushing the boundaries of contemporary art.

Newly graduated, Jesse Zuo has already been praised by various art curators and collectors. Her paintings monumentalize the mundane, with colors that seem pulled from thermal heatmap imaging, amplifying the underlying mood of each moment. Her very first solo show is going to be both touching and sensual.

As both an artist and a gallerist, building strong relationships with collectors is crucial. What advice would you give to emerging gallerists and artists on developing authentic and impactful connections with collectors, especially after a challenging year like 2023?

Building strong relationships with collectors is about being genuine and staying connected. Start with simple conversations about the artwork or an artist, and gradually get to know what they’re passionate about. Be open and honest—don’t hesitate to share what you’re working on or who you’ve recently discovered.

After a challenging year like 2023, adaptability is key. I’ve found that some of our most successful shows have come from inspirations or collaborations with collectors, where we’ve exchanged ideas, shared insights, and even co-curated exhibitions. Looking ahead, I’m excited about the possibilities these connections will bring as we continue to explore together. In the end, it’s about building meaningful connections based on trust and a shared love for art.

Installation view of “BRACING” (2024). Photo: Daniel Greer. Courtesy of Latitude Gallery, New York.

Latitude Gallery has always been committed to supporting Asian diasporic artists. How do you plan to expand or deepen this mission in the coming years, particularly in the context of your growth and vision as both an artist and gallerist?

We’re focused on expanding international collaborations and creating opportunities to give our artists greater visibility on the global stage, through participation in art fairs and exhibitions across Europe and Asia. By inviting key collaborators from within and beyond the community, we continue to foster spaces where artists’ visions are not only seen but widely celebrated. Over the next five to eight years, we plan to open or collaborate on satellite projects/ spaces in North America, Asian and Europe, further building community, with stronger connections and art impact. Our goal is to create more meaningful opportunities and support for underrepresented artists and art professionals to thrive, while encouraging collectors to involve and engage.

As both the founder of Latitude Gallery and an artist yourself, how do you integrate your personal artistic philosophy into the curation and direction of the gallery?

As an artist, I understand the creative process and the struggles that come with it, and that’s reflected in how we curate and operate at Latitude. It’s not just about the business or numbers—it’s a warm, inviting space where growth, care, and genuine connections are at the core of everything we do.

We take pride in being a platform for diverse voices, especially from the Asian diaspora, and we grow alongside the artists we support. Their first or second show—the early stages of an artist’s work—are always incredibly exciting and raw, and we love being part of that journey. We’re often their first resort, providing them with a space to nurture and showcase their bold ideas. For us, it’s about more than just art and exhibitions—it’s about fostering meaningful cultural exchange. I’m proud of the reputation we’ve built as a gallery where both artists and their work truly thrive.

Explore and discover art and artists with Latitude Gallery here.