One of the best things about art is that there are so many kinds and so many ways to interact with it. You can take up a craft and fill your world with your own creations, or you can be an admirer of a painting, a photograph, a well-crafted handbag, or even an artfully-designed cake! Art is in everything from the things you wear to the baubles you decorate your home with, and it serves to make every day just that much more enjoyable. That is why we’re introducing you to some of Shanghai’s best artful products and businesses. Because what is life without a little art to brighten it up?
Art Drop
Art Drop is an amazing service that introduces you to various international and Shanghai-based artists, and delivers their work to your doorstep. Charley Utton, who is the curator and founder of Art Drop, chooses an artist each month and announces it to interested buyers. Those potential buyers then have 24 hours to purchase. Art Drop has an impressive history of collaborations with Jared Williamson, Yuan Chongyin, Alina Levyz and Chi Chan to name a few. Limited edition pieces, signed and numbered by the artist, will cost you around 300 RMB.
Official WeChat account: Elevate 上海
MakeinChina
MakeinChina is a great example of how applied art adds more aesthetic beauty into our everyday lives. Founded three years ago by Veronique Lebel, this project aims to go beyond simple DIY classes. Instead, Veronique wants to help people find the maker in themselves and to inspire people to create beautiful things they will be proud of. Apart from her classes, Veronique also creates exquisite limited-edition weaving decor elements and jewelry. She considers her work a small contribution in the effort to change our ‘fast-consumption’ world.
WeChat ID: verolebel
Pinyin Press
Pinyin Press is a lifestyle and decor label highly inspired by the influence of everyday life in China. British-born designer, Sarah Armstrong, created the brand to prove that even small things can make our lives more vibrant and interesting. Her designs are widely recognized by fans of contemporary Asian-inspired art who love her ‘baozi’ printed tea towels and aprons, lucky cat ceramics, and tote shopping bags with quirky prints. If you want to spice up your kitchen life, look for her handmade baozi salt and pepper shakers for 200-220 RMB.
Website: www.pinyinpress.com
WeChat: Pinyin Press
Madame Mao’s Dowry
Madame Mao’s Dowry (MMD) has been a big part of Shanghai’s art scene for the last 18 years. It is an amazingly atmospheric boutique full of various collectables from the Mao era, creations by local designers, and products from their own label. Madame Mao’s Dowry is the perfect place if you are looking for quirky and chic clothes, one-of-a-kind accessories, ceramics, furniture, textiles, original propaganda posters from the Cultural Revolution and ceramic Maos.
Address: 207 Fumin Road
Jing’an District, Shanghai
Hours: Monday ~ Sunday, 10 am ~ 7 pm
Website: madamemaosdowry.com
The Shanghai Gift Company
The Shanghai Gift Company is a perfect example of how art can breed more art. Their beautifully crafted stationary, for example, will surely inspire you to write or doodle in the blank margins, and their fan print notebooks (80 RMB) will no doubt encourage you to start that novel you’ve been thinking about. And of course, their Shanghai skyline print desk notes (100 RMB) will provide the perfect backdrop to the day’s notes and scribblings. They also offer wrapping paper, candles, and creative gifts.
Website: www.theshanghaigiftco.com
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