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Personal art makes ‘semi gallery’ a home
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WHEN Juan Tan moves into a new apartment, he fills it with things that move him. He also has to make sure there is a dialogue between the space and himself, as well as the furniture and art on display.
His 80-square-meter apartment on Nanjing Road W. met all of his criteria: convenient location, great interior design and a decent bathroom.
“When I saw this apartment, it was under renovation so I saw all the potential upgrades that could be done to it. I love the central location and the trees at the back of the apartment had me sold on the spot,” Tan said. “Sometimes, I do wish there’s a second bedroom but the size is perfect for me at the moment.
“I worked with the landlord to change the living room and kitchen configuration to open up the space more. Personally I prefer an open space with simpler lines that flow throughout the apartment,” Tan said.
He likes spaces to be simplistic, relaxing and homey to welcome him home everyday. He also needs a home where everything has a function and every object is positioned where it will give him the most pleasure.
“It’s a ‘semi gallery’ feeling I wanted to create here, so I can display some of my artworks and collectibles, therefore the color tones are very neutral for the physical structure and walls.
“All the pieces of art — from the prints and paintings to the sculptures — are what contribute to the semi-gallery feel. Each of them has unique colors, composition and a story by the artist which makes me enjoy having them around,” he said.
For example, the Razzia vintage poster at the front door has a unique graphic charm to it and Tan is attracted to its colors, composition and classic feel. “‘The Rabbit’ by Zhou Hongbin portrays the unique flow of Chinese ink calligraphy and the oil painting in the living room by Sun Yao is powerful yet calming,” Tan said. “All of these pieces I’ve collected at different times and I guess they show the different stages of my own tastes and artistic sensibilities.”
One of his favorites is a piece by Yin Yefu next to his bed. “I’ve always admired his amazing dreamy line creations. They’re very modern yet utilize an ancient Chinese painting style known as gong bi hua. It’s a technique that requires great precision and patience. It’s not something you can rush; it shows the artist’s ability to control himself, yet the creation is totally wild,” Tan said.
Tan has collected furniture and art over the years, but some of the pieces in his apartment are of his own design. “I try to go for things with simple straight lines that are not too decorative,” he said.
The TV console, the rusty-looking lamp on the bookshelf, the stacking bookcase behind the sofa, and the side console next to his bed are among the designs Tan created for his own living space. “Designing my own pieces means they are one-of-a-kind and not from some mainstream brand that everyone can acquire. I like simplistic straight lines so my works are very much inspired by Donald Judd. The looks are minimal yet take a lot of precision to achieve,” he said.
As for the bedroom, Tan turned to the Japanese tatami style, which makes the space both calming and good for storage.
To create a space filled with design art that was still homey, Tan said lighting was important. “I guess each individual has their own definition of home. For me, I like nice warm lighting and not overly bright spaces. Furniture can also offset the coldness that sometimes overpowers a home when there are too many art pieces around.”
Trained as a graphic designer and photographer, Tan is sensitive to composition, colors and the arrangement of things around his home. “My constant urge is to achieve a certain balance. The décor and arrangement are constantly changing as well,” he mentioned.
Sometimes it’s a bit challenging to bring gallery pieces into a real home. To overcome this, Tan said he starts with a center piece to set the right tone.
“It deserves the most prominent spot, whether it’s above your sofa in the living room or the main wall or even above your bed. Chose wisely and don’t hang too many things around it to distract your attention.”
Q: What’s the best thing about living in Shanghai?
A: The street of Shanghai. It’s so full of life and constantly evolving.
Q: Describe your home in three words.
A: Simple, relaxing, modern.
Q: What’s the first thing you do when you get home?
A: Take off my shoes.
Q: How do you unwind?
A: Window shopping, watching TV series.
Q: What’s the best thing outside your window?
A: The tree lines.
Q: How do you scent your home?
A: Candles and incents from Jo Malone and diptyque.
Q: What’s your favorite object at home?
A: My TV remote.
Q: Where do you source furniture in Shanghai?
A: Design Republic, HAY
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