“Beauty is the emotional expression of ideas.”
— Hegel
On July 3rd this year, Objective was founded in Shanghai, launching its inaugural exhibition titled “COEXIST.” Centered in a dark green, historic Western-style building, this exhibition gathers artists from various regions and disciplines to embark on a collective journey, exploring the essence of life and tangible beauty through a global perspective.
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At Objective, every single piece reflects a fusion of aesthetics and functionality, borne from continuous experimentation by designers, artists, and craftsmen. From design and material selection to production, this process embodies the collision, fusion, and complementarity of life’s beauty, where endless possibilities come to life.
Step inside this old Western-style residence tucked away in Shanghai’s streets and alleys, where the Coexist exhibition unfolds. Rooted in architecture and space, it narrates the discovery of beauty across time and geography. The century-old Western-style houses, adorned with gray-green staircases and facades, evoke the mossy greens of a June in Shanghai, setting a calming, light green tone that transitions the vibrant outdoor aesthetics into the interior.
On the first floor, Objective features the work of artist Han Bing as the opening exhibit. At the 2019 Hong Kong Art Basel, Chris Shao, Objective’s founder, connected with Simon Wang, founder of Antenna Space, through one of Han Bing’s works. This piece also serves as the exhibition’s opening theme, symbolizing the fusion of fine art and functional art.
Within this exhibition hall, everyday items such as sofas, coffee tables, lighting fixtures, and artworks tell a simple yet sincere story—Living with Art. This space functions as the living room of the Coexist exhibition, where the eye is immediately drawn to a semi-circular sofa upholstered in turquoise mohair with subtle Morandi gray undertones, rounded and inviting. Adjacent are handcrafted lamps by American artist Brecht Wright Gander and his team.
The floating sofa is an original design by Objective, featuring a fabric collection from Raf Simons, former creative director of Dior, in collaboration with Danish brand Kvadrat. This piece interprets the design and lifestyle concepts envisioned by interior designer Chris Shao, bridging space and product.
The distinctive floor lamp by Gander draws inspiration from his childhood collection of sea lily fossils. Beyond its function as a lighting fixture, it stands as a unique piece of art, shaping the ambiance of the space with its extraordinary design.
The green “cold jade” marble coffee table positioned before the sofa employs a slab stacking technique that challenges traditional design approaches. This layering of materials enhances both the design complexity and user experience.
Next to the sofa, the ‘floating chair’ is crafted with a solid acrylic mold and upholstered with artistic printed fabric from Fabric Union, giving it an ethereal, cloud-like appearance.
The cylindrical decorative piece beside the floating chair combines various materials, harmonizing metallic shine with acrylic transparency. Its smooth curves blend seamlessly, allowing it to function as a small table or stool—another original creation by Objective.
Two round stools made of oak and cloth sit next to the fireplace in the living room. Their textured fabric and compact size offer both aesthetic appeal and practical use.
Facing another fireplace, the FanTable by emerging Shanghai designer Bryce Cai takes the form of a freely unfolding fan. It emits a mysterious Eastern aura through its bold fusion of stone and wood countertops.
Outside the living room lies a rectangular indoor terrace bathed in natural light. Here, an irregularly curved marble sculpture table by designer Lorenzo Bini takes center stage. Its design encourages staggered seating around its organic form, evoking a sense of weight and seriousness traditionally associated with dining tables.
On the terrace wall, a functional lighting artwork made of brass by Jesse Visser draws inspiration from religious triptychs, known for depicting grand spiritual scenes. The piece, titled “Cogitatio Inanis” (Latin for “thoughtless thought”), blends polished brass and stainless steel with contemporary elements, creating a profound reflection on emptiness—from object to introspection.
From architecture and interior design to furniture and textiles, Coexist masterfully intertwines art, home, and space, enriching perspectives across multiple dimensions.
The second floor offers a quieter atmosphere, featuring a 1950s antique desk designed by renowned Italian architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini. Paired with it is the Eden Chair by Parisian brand R&One of Y Augusti, combining a pen case and bronze with black horsehair to create an exotic and mysterious ambiance.
A stove, discovered serendipitously by the host while traveling in Morocco, adds a unique touch. Nearby, three camel bone vessels handcrafted by local artisans—rare treasures—are displayed. Complementing them are bone-shaped natural candles inside the fireplace, designed by Studio Morrison.
If the first floor connects directly to the ground and overflows with vibrant energy, the top floor reaches towards the sky, inspiring endless imagination. Here, Gothic-style colorful stained glass windows and solid wood spiral stairs guide visitors upward, accompanied by sheepskin pendant lights that evoke an ancient charm. The four-meter-high ceiling creates a solemn, mysterious atmosphere reminiscent of a sacred space.
Suspended between the spiral staircase is the “Back Stage” tapestry, designed by Bryce Cai. It voices the youthful desire for self-expression and authenticity. At the top floor, visitors are welcomed by a round table and dining chairs by artist Arno Declecq. Arno’s minimalist design subtly integrates the enigmatic tribal art of West Africa with the surrounding furniture, using simple black oak to create a harmonious blend.
Opposite this, designer Robert Kuo showcases his talent for incorporating organic natural forms into his creations. Utilizing traditional craftsmanship and materials, his work conveys a profound exploration of life through a simple pear-shaped design. Art springs from life but also transcends it.
In front of this screen sits a stylish single-person sofa, ergonomically crafted by Bryce Cai. Its horn-like shape envelops the user, offering a warm and comfortable embrace.
Nearby, a sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan stands out as a collectible antique. Kagan artistically reinterprets ordinary materials and challenges conventional seating design, crafting a unique, free-spirited experience.
As evening falls and the room dims, a deep, enchanting glow envelops the space. This floor lamp, another creation by Brecht Wright Gander, features a gold-plated copper interior that radiates a warm, muted light. The exterior’s vertical form emphasizes the beauty of tension through erosion, embodying a magical essence that resonates with our inner desires.
Looking up, twin chandeliers shaped like pearl necklaces hang from the crossbeam. Designed by French lighting designer Ludovic Clement d’Armont, these eco-friendly fixtures bring an elegant, romantic touch to this mysterious exhibition hall.
The exhibition concludes in a hidden gallery converted from the original bathroom. Here, a swing chair by Brazilian architect Bruno de Carvalho, designed to evoke the raw essence of the Amazon Rainforest, adds a playful and teasing element to the space.
Alongside, a mirror by Dutch design studio STUDIO OS ∆ OOS hangs on the wall. With rich layers and vibrant colors, it provides a joyful finale to the exhibition. Each art piece presents a unique style, reimagining ordinary elements of nature and life, inviting quiet reflection and active exploration.
The Coexist exhibition is more than a meeting of old Western-style architecture and contemporary art; it is an artistic feast curated by Objective and Antenna Space. It explores how life and art coexist, balancing noise with contemplation—a belief deeply held by Objective. Through rigorous research, trials, and errors, it is ultimately our humanity that reveals the true presence of the object.
“The beauty of life lies in collision and harmony. With an objective eye, we present real objects. It is my objective to present an object in an objective way.”
— Chris Shao, Founder and Designer of Objective
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