Sally He in Conversation with the Founder of Objective Gallery Chris Shao

Chris Shao, a young Chinese designer, has captivated New York with his incredible, story-telling interior designs. Shao Cheng's unconventional background—a double bachelor's degree in International Management and Marketing from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Business School and the École Supérieure de Commerce de Paris—provides him with a perspective that transcends aesthetics. "I tell tales and design interiors," he explains. In 2020, he was designated as one of Forbes' 30 under 30 for a good reason.

Shao Cheng's exceptional designs earned him the development design of the 111 Varick site in Manhattan, New York, as well as other large-scale real estate projects in Brooklyn and the West Side of Uptown. In 2019, upon his return to Shanghai, he established Zhaohe Interior Design (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Objective Gallery, a collection-level design gallery that exhibits high-quality art to export cultural material for the Chinese art home market. Shao Cheng expanded his lifestyle and cultural profession by bringing Design Miami to Shanghai in 2020. The narrative and creative abilities of Shao Cheng are elevating interior design.

MADE IN BED spoke to the creators of Objective Gallery about how they dealt with the pandemic, how COVID-19 affected the art market, and how their story may serve as a guide for other entrepreneurs currently venturing into the world of art business. 

Objective Gallery Founder, Chris Shao.

Sally He: When did you first get interested in art, and how did it lead you into the business of being a gallerist?

Chris Shao: The idea was born in a quarantine hospital in China. During this forced isolation, I redecorated my office; throughout the decoration process, I paid great attention to the interior decorative design. Slowly the office was transformed into a gallery, which became what is now known as Objective Gallery. 

SH: How would you describe the program and vision of your gallery? What sets Objective Gallery apart?

CS: To be objective, the mission is engraved into the gallery's name. Honestly, this is harder than it sounds! We emphasised finding new talent who are underexposed and unrepresented. Those who are objectively skilled, bold and committed to their work.

Objective Gallery, Shanghai.

SH: With a unique gallery space in Shanghai, how did the opportunity come for a phenomenal new space in New York City?

CS: The opportunity is a byproduct of Marc, and I’s friendship. We came from different angles within the industry, Marc as a purveyor and myself as a designer. Mutually we had a passion for doing more, for being more hands-on, and now we are best friends who work together. We have a synergy, and it is at the root of Objective Gallery New York; the friendship started it all.

Objective Gallery, Shanghai.

SH: When I visited Objective Gallery in Shanghai, I was amazed by the extraordinary selection of artworks. How does the gallery build unique relationships with its artists?

CS: By being genuine and sincere. We are hoping to introduce China and illuminate how special it is, the people and place. Though it is clear there is a lot of curiosity about China, it often seems shrouded in fear, and we hope to demystify some of this. By working with artists from all over the world, and in particular, many Chinese artists who have yet to be platformed in the West, convergence is taking shape and is fascinating.

SH: The diversity of your artists is enormous, ranging from Chinese to Hispanic. Are the artists related in their artistic practices? What do you look for when considering a new artist for your gallery?

CS: First and foremost, we are looking for the fun, the provocative. We are always looking through the lens of objectivity, but we are more drawn to artists working to look outside the confines of their medium, material, and minds. The level of craftsmanship also plays a large part; quality is equally revered, and style is significant, but what good is this if the work is not done well?

Objective Gallery, Shanghai.

SH: Objective Gallery presents site-specific projects and individual and group projects. Can you speak more to the process of curating your exhibitions and how it reflects the vision of your gallery?

CS: The curation is largely done by our very talented Gallery Director, Ansha. The vitality of Objective and our exhibitions is found in our use of the physical space. We consider the work and the gallery. We want it to be a unique experience when felt and seen in real life.  

SH: The Gallery space at The Bund, Shanghai, is miraculous; the gallery collaborated with Dior to support their fashion show in Shanghai. How did that collaboration come along?

CS: Dior was looking for a gallery space to show their luxury jewellery and couture. I could offer an answer alluding to our part played, but the architectural beauty sealed the deal. We were delighted to have them.

Above: Objective Gallery at Design Miami.

SH: Objective Gallery constantly participates in art fairs, including Design Miami South Beach, ART021, and NAFI Nanjing Art Fair International, to name but a few. What is the advantage of being a regular in multiple art fairs? 

CS: Art fairs offer a rare occasion where you can meet clients and participating artists. By frequently participating in these events, we are taking an active role in the larger landscape by contributing towards artistic creation and elevating artists and designers while allowing the opportunity to connect with those in the industry interested in doing the same.

SH: What is the most significant difference between China-based and renowned international art fairs such as Design Miami?

CS: We are witnessing China’s Art and Design worlds take form in real-time With that, there is a sense of responsiveness and agility as they find their voice unique to China. In terms of the people, to put it plainly, the way people make purchases between the two countries is very different.

Thanks to Objective Gallery on behalf of MADE IN BED.

To learn more about Objective Gallery, follow their gallery on Instagram, or head to their website.

To visit the Objective Gallery in either New York or Shanghai, please find the following details:

315 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013.

Monday - Friday, 11 am – 6 pm  (weekends by appointment)

133 Sichuan M Rd, 5F, Huangpu, Shanghai 200086.

Tuesday - Sunday, 11 am – 6 pm (by appointment only)

Sally He

Interviews Co-Editor, MADE IN BED