White Cube and Johann König Expand to Paris and Tokyo Amid Brexit and Trade Wars

White Cube is opening a new space on Avenue Matignon in Paris, denying that the move is politically motivated despite Brexit. The gallery, which already has locations in London and Hong Kong, aims to show major masterpieces in a prestigious area, continuing the Parisian tradition of the marchand d'art. Senior director Mathieu Paris cited a Parisian renaissance in museums and private foundations. Meanwhile, Pace Gallery is reportedly seeking or has found a space in Paris, following the closure of its Beijing outpost due to the US-China trade war and tariffs on art. Founder Arne Glimcher stated that doing business in mainland China is currently impossible. In contrast, Johann König is opening a gallery in Tokyo on November 9, collaborating with luxury brand MCM Worldwide for a 300-square-meter space in a major shopping arcade. König, who already has two galleries in Berlin and one in London, views Brexit as an opportunity and sees Tokyo as an underexplored market for Western galleries, with only Blum & Poe and Perrotin present. The inaugural exhibition will feature Juergen Teller.