Life With Art
Architect Terence Chan’s extensive art collection reflects a life-long pursue for beauty and meaning
Most architecture firms display models like sculptures. For Terence Chan, founder of interior design firm Terre, art overshadows the architectural presence in his studio at Niven Road.
On the shophouse’s first storey showroom where the Singaporean architect displays his furniture designs, Ghanian artist Doku Borlabi’s larger-than-life painting stops passers-by. Upstairs in the meeting room, lounge, and workspace, almost every surface is adorned with art that appears meticulously composed together at parts, and layered casually at others.
“The last count of artists whose works I have in my collection from the last 25 years is over 90. They are mainly faces, figurative forms, portraits, abstract works, and environmental interpretations, and they come in prints, paintings, canvas, photography, mixed media, bronze, aluminium, fibre glass, ceramics, timber, clay, vinyl, resins, neon, etc.,” Chan enumerates.
Abstract figurative forms are particularly abundant. “I find the expressions on the face and facial features – especially the eyes and lips – intriguing and telling; there is so much emotion in them,” Chan shares. The artwork’s narratives are as intriguing as the aesthetics. Chan likes to delve into each artist’s inner thoughts, background, cultural influences, self-expression, and aspirations, as well as their development.
The artworks are also meaningful as personal signposts of Chan’s life. “Each artwork has a story to tell. It might be about the actual work itself, a trip, or related to the company or an event. The choices have matured over the years. I have made several not-so-good choices, but that’s life. You move on. Lately, one or two selections have gone beyond my comfort zone. I guess when one is reaching the 50-year mark, you tend to care less about what others think,” he reflects.
This obsession with art parallels Chan’s love of architecture, furniture, fashion design, culture, food, and travel. “The interconnection among the various design disciplines excites me. As creative [people], we communicate visually. Looking into the history, the stories, the creators, and also hunting for that particular piece gives me an adrenalin rush,” says Tan.
From young, Tan had always been drawn to art and design. His architectural studies and an early career at WOHA Architects exposed him to beautiful homes, galleries, and other well-designed spaces, cultivating his taste. “I guess I’m visually attracted to beauty in general,” he quips. He established his studio in 2006, which has expanded to Observancy & architecture that does architectural projects, as well as Teapot and Giraffe – a retail and lifestyle arm focusing on product design and accessories.
Chan is known for creating holistic and elegant residences. Often, Chan not only designs a space, but also curates the art, objects and furniture from the likes of classy retailers, such as Space Furniture.
His breadth and depth of knowledge makes him the perfect art consultant for clients. “It can be rewarding when you translate a client’s personality, tastes, and background with the art. They add a deeper dimension and personality to each space,” says Chan. Colour intensity and surface, proportion and scale, content and subject matter, form and medium are also considered in the selection process.
Chan’s collection comes from around the world, courtesy of frequent overseas trips where he would drop by museums and galleries. In his younger days, he would save his allowance and salary for purchases that started from under S$1K, which now cost much more. In 2018, he began collecting art toys. His first piece was a KAWS BFF vinyl toy by graphic artist Brian Donnelly, purchased in Tokyo. Soon, for each new open edition release, he was collecting three colorways. But this did not satiate him. He began hunting for past closed editions. “They were difficult to find — and expensive. I had to research on the pieces as I was a newbie and there were a lot of fakes in the market,” says Chan.
Some may not view art toys as real art, but Chan begs to differ. “What defines it? The price, value, size, material, rarity? It is often that I find intriguing works of art [masking] as ‘toys’, coloured over their true materiality of bronze, aluminium, or solid wood,” says
Chan who appreciates the tactility. Examples include Susan Te Kahurangi King’s painted bronze ‘untitled’ and the Karimoku Be@rbrick series made from solid wood, precious metals, crystals, or porcelain.
When COVID-19 halted travel, the Internet became Chan’s source. It opened up a whole new world for him and he managed to expand his collection quickly. Aside from finding art, he uses mediums like Instagram to connect with like-minded individuals, ranging from artists, curators, and collectors to writers and galleries. This ability of art to bridge human connection, as well as reflect and comfort from the vicissitudes of life is what keeps him engaged.
“Art is not functional, but it evokes feelings, thoughts, consciousness, and subconsciousness; it excites at times while at other times, makes you uneasy. Whatever it is, it [elicits] a response. I enjoy watching people’s reactions when they experience a piece of art — no explanation required.”