Those who know Samson Ko well won’t be surprised that he arrives at our photoshoot clutching a fluffy, adorable dog whose presence radiates warmth and charm. From Instagram posts to real-life encounters, Ko’s love for his constant canine companion is palpable, a fact he readily admits. Furby, a bichon, is not just a cherished pet; she’s a key ingredient in the gallerist’s journey of self-discovery, the silent partner who helped him shed his inhibitions and embrace a life steeped in the vibrant world of art.
“I find my confidence through my dog because I am forced to talk to people whenever I’m walking her around Hong Kong,” he confesses. “It’s inevitable we get approached by someone.”
Ko’s girlfriend, Charlie Mok, is another supportive presence during the shoot, occasionally showing him pictures of Furby, which instantly draws a wide, genuine smile and a noticeable lightening of his serious demeanour. Their playful banter reveals his fun side – she serves as both as his number-one fan and a discerning critic, guiding him on poses and camera angles.
Brushstrokes of Career Change
Ko’s career path has been anything but linear. Born in Hong Kong and with a fleeting ambition in his youth to become an artist, he decamped to study marketing at Bentley University in Massachusetts. After graduation, he started work in the financial industry in Boston, a world away from the colourful, expressive art scene he would inhabit 20 years down the line.
He amassed experience in various industries, from luxury products with Audemars Piguet and Samsonite after returning to Hong Kong, to the business side of design at 3D rendering studio NKIAP and Shout Art Hub and Gallery. However, something was missing. “After several years I realised my goal in life was to do something different that was more suited to my creativity,” he explains. That something was art.
While working as Business Director at Shout Gallery in 2020, he co-founded 3WhiteDots, an online art platform born from his growing passion for collecting art. Two years later, he joined forces with Alan Cheung to co-found Seefood Room, a contemporary art gallery and artist residency, and Haus of Contemporary with Matt Chung, a multi-floor pop-up arts and culture building in Central with a coffee shop and meeting rooms.
The aim was to reshape the art experience by providing a space for both established and emerging talents to flourish. He believed that having his own space would give him the freedom to make the right decisions in the management, marketing and branding of Hong Kong’s artistic culture.
Championing Local Artists
Haus of Contemporary offered a unique setting for the art ecosystem in Hong Kong. During a whirlwind year of operation, it spawned thrilling happenings and thriving connections, including teen prodigy Andrew Mok’s debut art exhibition, the launch of famed Hong Kong photographer Wing Shya’s film-focused NFT collectibles, and a Ming Pao Culture Museum exhibition featuring local rapper and street artist MC Yan.
Ko has flourished at Seefood Room in Mid-levels, becoming a respected curator, adviser and staunch advocate for local and international artists. He provides exhibition opportunities for artists in affluent locales and galleries worldwide, and has collaborated with brands like Land Rover, I.T and De Beers Group to bring art to a wider audience.
He proudly shares highlights of Seefood’s previous art menus: “I curated a show for Arturistic, Interwoven: Hong Kong Art Meets London [in 2023], in which we brought eight artists from Hong Kong – Elaine Chiu, Liane Chu, K. Chung, Corn Ho, Agnes Leung, Lousy, Jade Ng and Yuman Ng – to exhibit at Dray Walk Gallery in London. It allowed face-to-face encounters with Hong Kong artists of differing styles and artistic approaches.” Additionally, a solo exhibition for Liane Chu, Cosmic Nomad: Venture Beyond, was staged at Guangzhou K11 last year.
Empowered by Ko’s curating talent and energy, Seefood Room hosts about eight exhibitions a year. Significant past shows have included the immersive and multidisciplinary Nature’s Mic Drop, featuring works by local illustrator Oh Mankee, graphic designer Katol Lo and painter Justin Y; and Intimate Exposure: Art of Araki showcasing the provocative pictures of Japanese photographer Nobuyoshi Araki.
Collecting and Conservations
Over lunch, our conversation broadens to encompass his other passions: fashion, pop culture and luxury goods. While he appreciates the finer things in life, he admits to a laser focus on his art collection at the moment. “It would be too expensive for me to have a number of collections,” he says. “I am only focusing on art right now because it’s impractical for me to collect watches while also collecting art.”
Ko shares his insights on the art world, advising artists to be affable, understand the effort and resources required to succeed in their careers, and be prepared to handle criticism. He emphasises the importance of mental resilience, identifying good advice from bad, and crafting a well-defined career strategy.
He also highlights the importance of building strong connections within the art community and the excitement that stems from meeting those who share the same passion and dedication to art. His personal connections with artists have led to unexpected interactions, such as discussions on UFOs or basketball cards.
“A career in art has led me to much more fruitful relationships and much more interesting conversations and relations with affluent collectors and gallerists,” he says. “In essence, it has led to a much happier and fulfilling lifestyle.”
A Canvas for Happiness
Certainly, Ko’s professional and personal priorities are inextricably intertwined. He notes that his “art career actually began because of my motivation to maintain one constant in my life, to be beside Furby at all times – a dog’s positive aura, alongside having supportive people around you, is always important”.
He believes it is essential to choose a career that you love and can be passionate about. “If someone spends five days a week or more at work but doesn’t love their job, then that’s a problem. It’ll hinder any prospects of true success, as honest interest can only lead to better things.”
When asked what happiness and contentment mean to him, he shares a philosophy rooted in self-awareness and purpose. “Pursue a career in which you feel confident and are happy to be part of,” he urges. “I began as an art collector and ended up owning a gallery and artist residency, so it’s been a worthwhile journey for me.”
His love for art is only matched by his love for Furby, the people who matter most to him and his journey. And perhaps, that’s the ultimate masterpiece: a life lived true to yourself, with loved ones always by your side.
Photographer: Jack Law|Videographer: Jack Fontanilla|Venue: Whale Club