HONG KONG, January 20, 2014 - Asia Society Hong Kong Center (“the Center”) is proud to announce that The J.K. and Ingrid Lee Foundation has made a generous donation to facilitate the acquisition of artist Zhang Huan’s Long Island Buddha. The sculpture was part of the Center’s inaugural exhibition Transforming Minds: Buddhism in Art, and has become an iconic feature of the new Center.

S. Alice Mong, Executive Director of Asia Society Hong Kong Center, expressed sincere appreciation to The J.K. and Ingrid Lee Foundation, “The Center is grateful to be entrusted and supported by The J.K. and Ingrid Lee Foundation. We are delighted that the Long Island Buddha will be staying and become a permanent feature on the Joseph Lau and Josephine Lau Roof Garden. I want to especially thank Mrs. Ingrid Lee for her generosity and support.”

“This unique sculpture by the multi-talented artist Zhang Huan looks as if it was designed for this space. I was so impressed when I first saw it, that I wanted to make sure that it is here to stay. The new Asia Society Hong Kong Center is so special and the Long Island Buddha reflects that. The J.K. and Ingrid Lee Foundation was very pleased to provide the funding for the acquisition of this sculpture. The addition of this artwork to the permanent collection of the Asia Society Hong Kong Center will afford many visitors the opportunity to experience this outstanding work by the artist and its cultural significant to guests and visitors of the Asia Society,” Mrs. Ingrid Lee of The J.K. and Ingrid Lee Foundation said in the unveiling ceremony.

Long Island Buddha is a sculpture in copper and steel by Chinese artist Zhang Huan. The artwork preserves the untarnished presence of Buddhism against the background of the hyper-urban environment of contemporary cities. With the aid of Susy and Jack Wadsworth, it was brought to Hong Kong and installed for the Center’s inaugural exhibition Transforming Minds: Buddhism in Art from February to July 2012.