Today we’d like to introduce you to Pinto Gallery.
Hi Pinto Gallery, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Pinto Gallery was founded in 2019 by Peric Fang and Yi Gong in Los Angeles. The idea was sparked when Peric collected his first Takashi Murakami print from The Broad Museum and noticed a significant price gap between Japan and the United States. This raised the question of how collectors—especially during the pandemic when in-person visits were limited—could benefit from a more affordable and transparent online art buying experience.
That realization inspired the creation of Pinto Gallery, with a mission to represent Asian contemporary artworks in the global market. We began by offering limited-edition signed prints from artists such as Takashi Murakami, MADSAKI, and Aya Takano, with the goal of making art more accessible to collectors, especially younger ones who rely heavily on online research when acquiring works.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, particularly since we launched without a permanent physical space. That came with both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, not having a location reduced major operating costs—rent, daily maintenance, staffing—and allowed us to pass those savings on to collectors. On the other hand, it required us to find creative ways to showcase and build trust in the artworks.
To overcome this, we invested in building a strong digital presence across Artsy, Artnet, our own website, and social media, while also recognizing the importance of direct engagement. We participate annually in fairs such as the LA Art Show and Art San Diego, collaborate with partner galleries including Kylin Gallery and BG Gallery, and take part in community activities like the Pacific Symphony Lantern Festival in 2023. These touchpoints bridge the gap between digital and physical interaction and allow us to connect with collectors on a more personal level.
Another challenge has been rising tariffs and import duties. To address this, we’ve worked closely with shipping partners and explored cost-efficient logistics strategies to minimize the impact on our collectors. Looking back, these challenges forced us to innovate, diversify our channels, and deepen our community involvement. They ultimately shaped the resilient and flexible way we operate today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Pinto Gallery specializes in limited-edition signed works from prominent and emerging Asian contemporary artists.
What sets us apart is our focus on bridging the online and offline art experiences. While we operate primarily online—through platforms like Artsy, Artnet, and our website—we also engage collectors directly through art fairs, pop-up exhibitions, and community events. Our platform offers a seamless purchasing experience, free worldwide shipping with full insurance coverage, and certificates of authenticity for every work. We also host an annual giveaway to reward our community and encourage interaction.
Brand-wise, we are most proud of maintaining authentic connections between artists, collectors, and the community, even in a digital-first environment. Pinto Gallery isn’t just a marketplace—it’s a curated experience for discovering meaningful contemporary art, building lasting relationships, and enjoying art in a way that is both accessible and deeply personal.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I believe the most important qualities for our success are passion, trustworthiness, and dedication to learning. Passion drives everything we do. As founders, Yi and I are deeply committed to discovering and sharing art with our clients.
Trustworthiness is essential in the art world, especially online, where collectors need confidence in authenticity, quality, and delivery. We build this trust through rigorous authentication, careful shipping, and transparent communication. It guides how we choose artists, design exhibitions, and engage with our community.
At the same time, we stay curious and committed to learning. We continuously expand our knowledge through artist studio visits, master lectures, and global art fairs such as Frieze, Art Basel, NADA, and Untitled. For every collector, we dedicate time to answer all questions—not just about purchasing works, but also about storage, framing, and display—ensuring they feel fully supported and informed. These qualities together allow us to provide exceptional service, foster meaningful relationships, and grow Pinto Gallery while staying deeply connected to the art community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pinto.gallery/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pintogallery_la/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pintogallery/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pinto-gallery/
- Other: https://www.artsy.net/partner/pinto-gallery
