Coexist by Chris Shao Takes Over a Heritage House in Shanghai

Rambling old house, located deep along a Shanghai alley, houses the Coexist exhibition. Starting from architecture and space, the exhibition presents a journey to discover beauty across time and space. The century-old house is a perfect combination of Shanghai and Western styles. The staircases and facades painted in grey-green bring the exuberant green moss of Shanghai summer into the space. Set to a light green tonality, the exhibition continues a vibrant aesthetic exploration from outside in.

2nd Floor features the Aria acrylic armchair, green marble coffee table and Objective’s own sofa upholstered in mint mohair. Handmade by American artist Brecht Wright Gander, the arresting floor lamp next to the armchair is inspired by the memories of collecting sea lily fossils during childhood. More than a lighting fixture, the unique lamp is also a sculpture that adds a special vibe to the entire space.

New York and Shanghai-based designer Chris Shao staged an inaugural showcase of contemporary design via his new platform Objective Collection, set within a heritage house in Shanghai’s Xitiandi neighbourhood. At Coexist Exhibition, two seemingly incongruent elements – an old house and new art, now exist together under one roof. Viewers are invited to appreciate both the beauty and functionality of the objects, their differences becoming a metaphor for the essence of life.

The exhibition is staged as a journey that begins in the courtyard. Visitors are exposed to artworks from a collection of international and Chinese designers, artists, and craftsmen, where each object can be appreciated for its design merit, material selection and meticulous construction.

Upon entering the century-old house, the discovery of beauty across time and space begins. The home unfolds as the perfect combination of Shanghai and Western-style – a green staircase injecting the moss of city summer directly into the space.

Another view of Brecht Wright Gander’s Illumination Machine #2 on the 2nd floor.

Outside the living room in th 2nd floor is a rectangular indoor terrace with excellent natural light. A clear arc-shaped marble sculpture table is displayed here. This piece by designer Lorenzo Bini allows users to sit around it in irregular positions, breaking the restrained dining atmosphere at traditional tables.

3rd floor of Coexist exhibition.

The first-floor features works by Han Bing amongst others, acting as the exhibition’s Living Room. Sofas, coffee tables, and lamps are dispersed between artworks – the junction of art with simple everyday objects embodying the concept of Living with Art.

“From architecture, interior, to furniture, fabric; from 3D to 2D, Co-exist is a story about the ingenious integration of art, home furnishing, and space, inspiring thinking from more dimensions,” explains Chris Shao of Objective Collection.

Walking up to the top floor, visitors first see the table and dining chairs by artist Arno Declecq. Arno’s design is natural and simple. With plain black oak, he has perfectly blended the distinctive and obscure tribal art in West Africa into his works – which in turn organically fit the surrounding furniture.

On the opposite side sits the work by designer Robert Kuo, an expert at conferring organic forms in nature to his design. On the other hand, his skilled use of traditional craftsmanship, technology and materials leads to great achievements in his artistic creation. Through this screen, he innovatively uses a simple pear shape to convey his insights into life. Art comes from life, but goes beyond life. In front of the screen sits a stylish armchair. Considering ergonomics, Bryce Cai has created a trumpet-like chair where users can sit comfortably as if being swaddled.

The second floor features an antique 1950’s desk designed by Gianfranco Frattini paired with R&Y Augousti’s Eden Chair. Natural bone-shaped candles by Studio Morrison sit aside rare Moroccan vessels handcrafted by local craftsmen.

The top floor is described as a place holding unlimited imagination. “Gothic coloured window grilles, and rotatory stairs made of solid wood – from every angle, you see a different picture. While the sheepskin chandelier full of ancient charms suddenly pulls you into a land of fantasy.”

Four-meter-high ceilings bring a sense of drama to the rooms, creating spaces that could be likened to a religious scene.

Aria Arcrylic Armchair.

Curl Wall Sconce.

Trumpet Sofa.

Illumination Machine #2.

Four Seasons Table.

Fan Table.

“The beauty of life lies in collision and harmony. It is my objective to present an object objectively.” These are Chris Shao’s equally opening and concluding thoughts.

On show until September 12th (and guest curated by Simon Wang alongside Shao), Coexist sees the union of different layers, colours, and stories that together create an intriguing viewer experience.