The K11 Art Foundation (KAF) and Centre Pompidou have revealed that curator Yung Ma will join the Centre Pompidou in Paris as curator in the contemporary and prospective creation department.
From June 13, Yung Ma will lead the Centre Pompidou’s far-reaching, international research program, which hopes to delve into the recesses of contemporary Chinese art and facilitate international opportunities for Chinese contemporary artists.
Yung Ma’s appointment marks the beginning of a three-year partnership between the non-profit KAF, headed by Adrian Cheng, and the Centre Pompidou.
Ma joins the Pompidou with a list of impressive credentials. He has twice co-curated the Hong Kong Participation at the Venice Biennale, and is invited guest curator for Beijing’s Central Academy of Fine Arts and Para Site Art Space in Hong Kong. His work holds a particular focus on contemporary art and moving image, and his past exhibitions have explored global migration and urban identity.
Ma comes to Paris from his role as Associate Curator at M+ in Hong Kong, where he has been since the project’s beginning in 2011. Despite plans to be an ambitious museum project set to transform Hong Kong’s cultural landscape, M+ has been plagued with problems since its inception.
Construction delays are to set back the public opening by two years to 2019, and Ma’s departure from the project is one in a long list of resignations. Michael Lynch, chief executive of the organization behind the museum project, left in February of last year. He was soon followed by senior curator Tobias Berger, who left to become head of art at the Central Police Station art complex, also in Hong Kong. Director Lars Nittve, who spearheaded the project, also stepped down from his role in January.
On leaving the West Kowloon project, Ma said: “While it is sad to leave M+, I know my time with the museum has been a great learning experience, and I am tremendously grateful for their trust, support and friendship over the years.”
Ma will bring the Centre Pompidou a network of long-standing connections with artists and organisations from across Greater China.
“Yung Ma brings a wealth of experience and nuanced understanding to the progressive program at Centre Pompidou and we are delighted to have collaborated on the appointment of such a talented and visionary curator,” head of KAF, Adrian Cheng, said of the selection.