Tastemaker interView: Christine Chan Chiu

Words by: Christine Chan Chiu
Photo Credit: Linda Cheung


Christine Chan Chiu, art advisor and Co-Founder of AARRTT shares her love for Asian designs and tips on decorating an art-filled space. 


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For our inaugural tastemaker series, we invited Christine Chan Chiu, art advisor and Co-Founder of AARRTT, an online platform that connects audiences to the best art happenings in Asia, to share her love for Asian designs and tips on decorating an art-filled space.

Always the first to be in the know of all the art happenings around the world, Christine's latest creative inspirations range from this year's internationally acclaimed Venice Biennale to the newly opened sculptural roof garden of the local M+ museum. 


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Christine Chan Chiu, art advisor and Co-Founder of AARRTT


What Asian philosophies or traditions are you drawn to?


"I love the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi. Aesthetically, this means we can appreciate objects that are not perfectly balanced, with juxtapositions of different materials and textures. I find that very interesting and inspiring." 


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Left to right: Sprout Combine Case by SOZEN Create, December Birth Month Flowers Wine Glass (Cattaleya) by 5IVE SIS, and Fragment(s) - The Unlimited Edition by Julie & Jesse


Who is your favorite Vermillion creator or brand and why?


"It would be SUGO. Kevin is a friend of mine, but beyond that his lighting sculptures are really making a mark in the art world. I'm specifically thinking about Foglia, the leaf-shaped floor lamp. It serves as a lighting piece but it's also beautiful as a sculpture itself. It also purifies the air when it's lit - truly multi-functional!" 


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Foglia Lamp by SUGO


What's one thing that defines good Asian Design to you?


Naoshima in Japan and the Benesse Art Site, for the island's artistic philosophies. Most of the museums there were designed by the Japanese architect Tadao Ando. The Chichu Museum, for example, was built mostly underground to avoid affecting the beautiful natural scenery of the area and instead made use of natural lighting to showcase the artworks.

The whole experience of being there is just unique.