Edith Ho’s life and career have been shaped by a rich tapestry of global influences. With Danish and Brazilian heritage, a childhood in France, and years spent living in Asia, she was naturally drawn to the arts — an industry that celebrates culture, people, and place. A dedicated art collector for over two decades, she took a bold step forward by founding Gallery des Artistes — a space dedicated to championing contemporary art.

Focusing on emerging artists at the cutting edge of the Pop and Street Art scenes, Gallery des Artistes has become a platform for bringing contemporary art to Asian audiences and beyond. Speaking to LUXUO, Edith shares insights into her journey, her vision for the future of art, and the stories behind the artists she’s passionate about.

When did you first get interested in art, and how did it lead you into the business of being a gallerist? 

I have always been interested in art. My mother was an amateur painter and I grew up in France so automatically you soak it all in!

When was Gallery des Artistes founded in Kuala Lumpur?

Gallery des Artistes was founded in 2018 with the purpose and mission to show and bring POP ART — and more specifically Western pop art — to Malaysia.

What differentiates Gallery des Artistes from other galleries? 

I would say two things — first, all our artists and their works are contemporary, literally meaning that they are exhibiting around the world now; and second, the price points. I was growing exceedingly critical of certain galleries in the region and their pricing strategies so I decided to be super transparent and just show the works at European studio prices.

Can you share the most significant pop-up event curated by Gallery des Artistes in hotels and unconventional locations? 

My favourite event was at W Hotel here in KL where we organised an “ART TRAIL “ taking guests on a walk about from the lobby to the pool, to the Presidential Suite where a surprise cocktail was ready for them! Art was everywhere and as we went along, I explained each collection to them.

Tell us about the vibrant “Crazy Asian” series you have produced in collaboration with artist Gung Ho.

“Crazy Asians” is Gung Ho’s second collection, born in 2021 during the COVID lockdown. I called it “Crazy” because we were all going crazy and the works reflect that — although in a very happy positive way. The artworks are extremely colourful, eye-catching, very “pop” and slightly provocative. In fact, in 2019, I created a collective with a Malaysian artist and we called ourselves Gung Ho so now I am in an unusual position of being a gallerist and an artist at the same time.

What led you to develop a strong expertise in the contemporary pop art market? 

Before officially launching the gallery, I decided to go back to school, studied at Sotheby’s and MOMA, and toured major art fairs around the world to get a sense of what was trending out there.

Being a gallerist means working actively on positioning your artists. How do you approach that part of your work? 

My rule of thumb is to have a personal connection with the artists. Most of them have become friends. I generally look for emerging artists who are doing well and gaining track.

Today, a lot of your business as a gallerist is being conducted online. What skills are required there? 

True, and you need an active presence online and on social media. But I think that a physical space is still relevant because art is emotional and people still like to see the works in real life.

Tell us about the latest exhibitions you have curated in Kuala Lumpur in collaboration with the Spanish embassy. 

That was a last-minute rush as the artist could only be in KL for less than 24 hours. I approached the Embassy of Spain nevertheless because Artigas is a world-famous sculptor and it’s rare to have sculpture exhibitions here. The Embassy was very receptive and in a month we managed to pull it off!

What is planned for you this year and 2025? 

Lots of surprises, mainly with Gung Ho and an exciting collaboration — still secret for now — with a big luxury conglomerate! Hope to share some news about it soon.

What is your favourite museum in Asia? 

Definitely M+ in Hong Kong.

What is your best advice to a young gallerist wanting to set up their own art gallery? 

Do it for passion, not for money.

If you were to name one mentor who has inspired you in your life, who would that be? 

My mother’s best friend, in Denmark, who ran a famous gallery and hung paintings on trees!

For more on the latest in culture and art reads, click here.