Cover Jenny Kim with ‘Untamed’ (2023) by Etienne Chambaud atop the fireplace
Jenny Kim with ‘Untamed’ (2023) by Etienne Chambaud atop the fireplace
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In The Collector’s Gaze series, Tatler meets six art collectors around the region, who share their thoughts on how, through their pieces, they preserve cultural narratives and push artistic boundaries. Here, China-based fashion entrepreneur and art collector Jenny Kim shares her journey
At the home of Jenny Kim, the Shanghai-based founder of the Chinese women’s fashion brands MO&Co and Edition, art and design are a part of day-to-day living.
Her collection runs the gamut from Ming dynasty huanghuali Chinese rosewood furniture to the monochromatic masterpieces of the late French painter Pierre Soulages. She is drawn to works that speak to her sensibilities, whether it’s the minimalist sculptures of the late Romanian artist Constantin Brâncuși or the meditative beauty of Buddhist statues. But for Kim, collecting is not about following trends or making investments—it’s about intuition, personal resonance and the joy of living with art.
In case you missed it: New York-based Chinese ‘curves’ artist Yuan Fang has her eyes set on Hong Kong this month
On how her art collecting journey began
Above ‘Peinture’ (1965) by Pierre Soulages
‘Peinture’ (1965) by Pierre Soulages
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My passion for collecting started with design: I’ve always been fascinated by interior spaces, architecture and the way objects interact with their surroundings. One of my biggest inspirations is [Belgian curator and art dealer] Axel Vervoordt—his wabi-sabi [the idea of accepting and highlighting imperfections] philosophy and the way he curates his spaces are unlike anything else. I once visited Kanaal, the former brewery he transformed into a living art space in Belgium, and that experience changed the way I saw collecting. It wasn’t about simply owning objects—it was about creating an environment where art, history and personal experience come together. That visit left a deep impression on me. Afterwards, I started my first collection, buying sculptures, antique furniture and unique artworks—all from Vervoordt’s space. It was the beginning of what has now become an essential part of my life.
Later, my interest in art deepened as I travelled, explored museums and met artists. I was particularly drawn to pieces that merge eastern and western influences. For example, I own a lacquer screen by French artist Vincent Cazeneuve, which took years to complete using traditional eastern lacquer techniques. Its materiality and philosophy are deeply connected to wabi-sabi, yet it was created from a western perspective.
On how she collects
Above ‘Walking Man’, a sculpture by Alberto Giacometti (1901-1966)
‘Walking Man’, a sculpture by Alberto Giacometti (1901-1966)
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I don’t consider myself a professional collector. I collect based on instinct and love, not market value. My home is filled with my collection—not stored away but truly lived with. Whether it’s the paintings on the walls, the sculptures in my garden or the antique furniture I use every day, each piece has a place in my life.
One of my most cherished pieces is a painting by Pierre Soulages, which now hangs at the entrance of my Shanghai home. It used to be in my dining room in Guangzhou, where I would see it every day. Over time, it became part of my daily rhythm. Soulages’s work fascinates me—his exploration of black is not just about colour but about light, shadow and space. His philosophy resonates with me deeply and I find myself constantly drawn into his world when I look at this painting.
I also have a deep love for Buddhist art, particularly [China’s] Northern Qi dynasty (550-577AD) sculptures. I have one such statue in my Hainan home, bought at auction. To me, these ancient Buddhist figures hold a quiet but profound power, carrying centuries of history within them.
On guilty pleasures in collecting
Above Art is very much part of Kim’s living spaces
Above Kim’s Guanyin goddess of mercy wooden statue dates back to circa the Liao (907–1125AD) and Jin (1115-1234AD) dynasties
Art is very much part of Kim’s living spaces
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Sometimes, I buy pieces impulsively, spending more than I originally planned. But I always tell myself: if a piece moves me, then it’s worth it.
On art and family
Art has always been part of my life and I hope to pass that on to my children. My mother was a passionate painter and even though she never became famous, her love for art deeply influenced me.
My daughter is still young but she already has an eye for art. She often tells me which pieces she finds “pretty” or “cute”. I don’t pressure her to follow in my footsteps but I do encourage her to explore art in her own way. She loves drawing and sometimes I’m surprised by the maturity of her work—it even has a slightly dark, moody edge to it.
When I think about the future, I don’t have strict plans for my collection. I don’t want to dictate where each piece should go—I believe art should be passed down naturally, becoming part of the family’s story. My daughter will one day inherit this house, and with it, the collection I’ve built. She will live among these pieces, feel their presence and hopefully, continue the journey of living with art. For me, that’s the most beautiful kind of legacy.
This is part of a series created in collaboration with Art Basel Hong Kong
Credits
Photography: Shen
Hair: Ian Yu
Make-Up: Cui Heng Jie
