Hugomento: Storied Art and Objects
One is transported by tranquility and beauty immediately upon entering Hugomento, a beautiful boutique art gallery in San Francisco. Inspired by his professional work travels to Japan and Europe, owner, Hugo...
One is transported by tranquility and beauty immediately upon entering Hugomento, a beautiful boutique art gallery in San Francisco. Inspired by his professional work travels to Japan and Europe, owner, Hugo Lai, took a risk leaving a multi-decades long advertising career to pursue a dream in opening an inviting, zen-like space of “storied art and objects." He then faced an even greater challenge in 2020, having to close on its second day after expanding and opening at a new location due to the pandemic shutdown. Fortunately for us all, Hugomento (derived from his first name and the word memento), made it through and the gallery is an inspirational and delightful destination to visit regularly with its ever changing roster of artists. Hugo is a natural donning our winter collection with his curated taste, sartorial style and deep reverence for special handcrafted objects.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in Hong Kong. Pretty traditional middle class, big Chinese family, a lot of us living in tight quarters. I finished high school there before coming to California for college. Ended up studying mass communications at San Jose State University, staying and working at advertising agencies and corporate marketing for 23 years in San Francisco prior to making this switch to become a gallerist/curator seven years ago.
Hugo wears Favorite aspect of your work?
I enjoy collaborating and working with different artists. The creative process is always a good learning or rediscovery opportunity. I do get the most satisfaction from curating and installing a new exhibition, although it’s usually stressful and exhausting, and then seeing how people respond because I don’t “make” or “create” anything myself. I also feel very lucky to be able to meet people from all walks of lives and make a lot of friends along the way.
Hugo wears Favorite part about living in SF?
I’ve been living in the SF Bay Area for almost 35 years now, this is my second home. Obviously, we’re seeing a lot of changes in recent years and there are a lot of serious issues with our beloved city that are disheartening and saddening. However, we still have a very diverse community and a rich cultural scene for a relatively small town. And then of course, the skyline, the parks and forests, the water, the Golden Gate Bridge…it’s a romantic place, and I think this is still America’s most European city.
Hugo wears Akash Coat in Pomegranate and Wool Scarf in Paisley.
Favorite quote or personal mantra.
He who is contented is rich. —Lao Tzu
What are you currently reading?
A repeat of “Stories and Reflections” by Axel Vervoordt.
Hugo wears Manbir Johnny Collar Knit.Daily Rituals?
Two things came to mind… 1) Burning incense at home and at the gallery everyday is the moment when I stop for a minute or two to think, take a deep breath, talk to myself or pray. 2) Playing music. Having a soundtrack of life is very important to me because it accompanies emotions, feelings and memories.
Hugo wears Akash Coat in Snow Cap Melange.
Favorite artist or medium?
Too many. To name a few…Johannes Vermeer, Auguste Rodin, Isamu Noguchi, Yayoi Kusama, Michelangelo Antonioni, Wong Kar-Wai, Nina Simone, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Jeff Buckley, Tamino.
Hugo wears Taj Long Coat in Diamond Dobby Weave.
How do you enjoy spending your downtime?
It mostly ties back to how I stay inspired... I love traveling but I haven't been doing that as often the past few years, so I try visiting museums, galleries, bookstores, or going to cinemas as often as I can. I also like to take long walks across the city, sit at a cafe or wine bar and people watch, or to escape with my own foreign film marathons at home.
Hugo graciously shared his top favorite films.
The Red Ballon (1957) by Albert Lamorisse
À bout de souffle (1960) by Jean-Luc Godard
Purple Noon (1960) by René Clément
La Dolce Vita (1960) by Federico Fellini
L'Eclipse (1962) by Michelangelo Antonioni
Jules et Jim (1962) by François Truffaut
High and Low (1963) by Akira Kurosawa
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964) by Jacques Demy
Le Samouraï (1967) by Jean-Pierre Melville
Wings of Desire (1987) by Wim Wenders
Rouge (1987) by Stanley Kwan
Three Colours trilogy (1993-1994) by Krzysztof Kieślowski
Happy Together (1997) by Wong Kar Wai
In the Mood for Love (2000) by Wong Kar Wai
Amélie (2001) by Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Talk to Her (2002) by Pedro Almodóvar
Hero (2002) by Zhang Yimou
Summer Hours (2008) by Olivier Assayas
I Am Love (2010) by Luca Guadagnino
Hugo wears Taj Long Coat in Diamond Dobby Weave and Bucket Hat in Plaid.
Photography by Peter van der Pas.