Jazz Chong, owner and director of Ode to Art, discusses the growing importance of art in interior design and why she goes the extra mile for her clients with personalised consultancy services
As the founder of Ode to Art, Jazz Chong is in the privileged position of fostering close relationships with both local and international artists. The gallery’s repertoire of artists includes Fernando Botero, Lim Tze Peng, Hong Zhu An and Qin Feng, who are globally acclaimed and widely collected by museums as well as homeowners.
But for Chong, the key factor she takes into consideration when representing an artist is “chemistry”. “Talent and potential are one thing, but the relationship between a gallery and an artist is one that is largely symbiotic, so we must enjoy interacting with each other,” she says. “This relationship is similar to marriage because it is long-term and built upon friendship and mutual trust.”
Ode to Art also offers art consultancy services to match clients with works that resonate with their personal aesthetic preferences. “Developers and homeowners often see art as an important aspect of design; especially in this day and age where art has become a necessity in adding a sophisticated feel to any living space,” says Chong. Here, she shares tips on curating the perfect collection for your home.
How have the tastes and preferences of local art collectors evolved in recent years?
Jazz Chong (JC) Travel has become a huge part of our lives. Due to this global lifestyle, I daresay art collectors’ tastes and preferences have become more sophisticated and wide-ranging so it is hard to pinpoint one genre or medium that is the most popular. The art scene in Singapore has also become increasingly diverse. With a multitude of world-class exhibitions showcasing an international spread of artists, this increased accessibility to a wide range of art has also diversified the tastes of our art buyers in Singapore.
Collectors like artworks that they’ve never seen before; something special that gives them insight into cultures and practices they otherwise wouldn’t understand. Also, collectors enjoy a piece that speaks to them in a way that is personal and heartfelt, that isn’t widespread and repetitive, but fits into their idea of specific design aesthetics and the feel of their intended space.