Gagosian is pleased to announce Paint, an exhibition of new paintings by Spencer Sweeney opening at the Hong Kong gallery on November 19, 2025. These imposing works—oil portraits of seated figures with visible torsos, and others in which only the subjects’ heads and shoulders are depicted—convey intense energy and feeling through Sweeney’s use of rich color and bold paint handling.

Sweeney cites jazz as having sparked his love for improvisation, which he interweaves with references to pop culture and art history in nudes, portraits, and self-portraits. Resonating with the spirits of artists from Henri Matisse to Giorgio de Chirico and American painter Bob Thompson, his images embody a Neo-Expressionist verve while repeating signature motifs, and are characterized by their juxtaposition of direct emotional appeal with a freewheeling exploration of the creative process. In a complement to his painting practice, Sweeney transforms gallery spaces into studios and stages, conjuring dynamic “atmospheres” in conjunction with figures from various disciplines, including Lizzi Bougatsos, with whom he cofounded the New York noise-art group Actress.

Opening reception: Wednesday, November 19, 6–8pm

Gallery address: 7/F Pedder Building, Central