TF Chan

As per tradition, here are twenty photographs from my 35th year, beginning with a selfie in Gleaming Lights of the Souls – a Kusama Infinity Room at @louisianamuseum where, mercifully, time limits are rarely imposed. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve stepped inside over the years, but never of how it makes me feel: briefly at one with the universe, and enduringly in love with the world. It’s a fitting start to a recap of a surreal and rewarding year. I settled into a new, rather grown-up role as director of @collectartfair (so far, so good), and found myself more often the interviewee than the interviewer – with particular thanks to @nicmonisse and @robert.elms.london for conversations I’ll remember for a long time. I said yes to a number of travel opportunities that initially felt far-fetched (London-Berlin-Seoul-Venice-London, anyone?), and am incredibly pleased I did. And as ever, I spent time with the people who matter most – not least a rapidly growing godson who has me utterly smitten. If you appear in this edit, thank you – I’m very lucky to have you in my life. If you don’t, please know that I value our friendship no less, and am determined to document it better in the year ahead. Here’s to 36, and to making the most of what remains of my thirties 🥂💛

Huge thanks to all of you who have joined us at @collectartfair 2026 so far! I’ve had a flurry of positive feedback over the past few days, in the form of emails, voice notes, DMs, and brief conversations as I dashed from one commitment to another. While I haven’t yet had the opportunity to respond to everyone, I wanted to let you know that I am super grateful for your enthusiasm and encouragement – and will find time post-fair to come back to you properly! To our exhibiting galleries, arts organisations and Collect Open artists, thank you for bringing your A-game, putting forward such thoughtful presentations, and giving our audiences a fair to remember! Heartfelt thanks as well to our sponsors and partners, particularly @brookfieldpropertieslondon , @loewefoundation , @brigitta_spinocchia_freund and @sketchup_official - we couldn’t have done this without you. Just as importantly, thank you to the wonderful Collect team, particularly @wellsdaniella , Sarah Dormer, Nico Pianet and @treasureandkeep , for giving a first-time fair director plenty of reasons for confidence 🫶🏼 Today is the final day of Collect 2026, so if you haven’t yet visited, what are you waiting for? Tickets are available at collectartfair.com and on site, and we’re open until 17:00 (last admission at 16:00). See you soon! 📷 @shinmiura , captions in the comments

@collectartfair 2026 opens today! The culmination of a wild and wonderful nine months where I learned (the best I can!) how to run an art fair, with plenty of help from the most dedicated and unflappable team I could have asked for. Come and visit us at @somersethouse (until this Sunday, 1 March) to discover the world’s most cutting-edge contemporary craft and design. We’re welcoming 40 exhibitors, altogether representing 400+ artists from over 50 countries. Whether you’re yearning for ceramics, textiles, lacquer, glass, metalwork, studio jewellery, or indeed collectible furniture (which we’re proudly emphasising!), we have work by established masters alongside emerging talents – and a talks programme to match. Taking over an art fair with a 21-year history is not a responsibility I wear lightly. Our 2026 edition is an evolution. Keeping what Collect does best, while bringing in new voices and international perspectives. A big thank you to those of you who have already planned your visit. It’s a vote of confidence – in our artists, in the role that galleries and arts organisations play in the creative ecosystem, and in the importance of contemporary craft and design in enriching our lives. And if you haven’t bought your ticket yet, consider this your nudge! Presented by @craftscouncil Special thanks to @brookfieldpropertieslondon @loewefoundation @brigitta_spinocchia_freund @sketchup_official and all our wonderful media partners, supporting partners and hospitality partners – we’re enormously grateful or your support. 📷 @miakarlovagalerie

Huge congratulations to South Korean artist @jongjinpark_ceramics , who has been named the winner of the 2026 @loewefoundation Craft Prize 🏆 His 2025 work, Strata of Illusion, was selected ‘for its ability to confound expectations of what ceramics can be, revealing a sculptural presence that is at once unexpected and thoughtful.’ The jury further noted that although his work is rooted in porcelain, it speaks to multiple craft traditions: the use of air to establish form evokes glassblowing, while the layering of paper gestures at bookbinding. The LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize is widely regarded as the leading international award in modern craft, celebrating newness, excellence and artistic merit. Jongjin’s winning piece, alongside 29 other shortlisted works, is on view at @nationalgallerysingapore from 13 May until 14 June. Jongjin was recently named ‘Artist of the Fair’ at @collectartfair 2026, where he presented a captivating body of work with Parisian ceramics gallery @daguetbresson.art . We’re thrilled to see him receive this exceptional recognition! (1)(2) Jongjin Park, Strata of Illusion © The artist. Courtesy LOEWE FOUNDATION (3) Portrait of Jongjin Park. Courtesy LOEWE FOUNDATION (4) Jongjin Park, Artistic Stratum Patch, presented by Daguet-Bresson at Collect art fair 2026 📷 @shinmiura #loewefoundationcraftprize #loewefoundation #collect2026 #collectartfair

As we await the announcement of the winner of the @loewefoundation Craft Prize 2026 on Tuesday 12 May, we look back at a selection of the work presented by the Prize’s shortlisted artists and alumni at Collect art fair this February. From monumental ceramics drawing on West African history and mythology to intricate silver jewellery rooted in techniques originally used to craft Japanese sword fittings, these were among the most admired works at our fair – testament to the exceptional artistry that Collect exists to champion. Our best wishes to @jongjinpark_ceramics and @mortenespersen , two Collect 2026 artists shortlisted for this year’s Prize. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for you🤞🏼 (1) @kobina_adusah (2025 alumnus), presented by @gallery_fumi (2) @fumikitaguchi (2025) @b.r.gallery_beijing (3) Philip Eglin (2025) @oxfordceramics (4) @nmbello1 (2025) @loewefoundation (5) @sumakshisingh (2025) @loewefoundation (6) @junsumartino (2022) @siatgallery (7) @irina.razum (2018) @countyhallpottery (8) Jim Partridge & Liz Walmsley (2019) @oxfordceramicsgallery (9) @richardmcvetis (2018) @cavalierofinn (10) @sunghocho417 (2020) @siatgallery (11) @kazuhitotakadoi (2019) @jaggedart (12) @andreawalshartist (2019) @oxfordceramics (13) @minheekimstudio (2019) @siatgallery (14) Bodil Manz (2020) @oxfordceramics (15) @jongjinpark_ceramics (2026) @daguetbresson.art (16) @mortenespersen (2026) @oxfordceramics #collect2026 #collectartfair #loewefoundationcraftprize #loewefoundation

💬 Join the discussion. A shift we should all be preparing for 👇 What happens to the value of handmade work when more and more can be generated, rendered and simulated? As AI and digital culture continue to reshape how we see, make, buy and value things, this is a question every designer, maker, craft-led business, enthusiast and buyer should be thinking about. This carousel and the panel discussion explores why real space, real skill and real presence may matter more, not less, in this moment. If you work with your hands, build objects with meaning, or care about the future of craft, save this post and take a read. And if this conversation speaks to you, join us at FORGE for our @londoncraftweek panel: Beyond the Algorithm: Why Real Space and Real Makers Matter Now Join our brilliant expert panel: Chair: @rachaeltaylorgram - Journalist & author @tf_chan Director of @collectartfair @maryeluned_craft Head of Sustainability at @heritagecrafts @karinpaynter Craft strategist & advocate @rajeshgognasilver Silversmith & design academic, De Montfort University 📆 Tuesday 12 May 🕙 6pm–8pm 🎟️ £25 📍 FORGE 59 Leather Lane, London EC1N 7TJ 💬 Comment “CRAFT” and we’ll send you the booking link and hope to see you there! 📌 Save this post so you don’t lose it! 🔄 Feel free to share, these are important questions we should all be asking, and a shift we should all be preparing for. 👉 Follow us to join our creative community, and for more jewellery workshops, events, inspiration, guides, tips and insights 🏡🧡 FORGE exists to support independent jewellery designers at every stage through learning, making and selling. Our motto is ‘Enriching lives through creativity’ and at the heart of that is the belief that creativity is not only inspirational and nurturing, but helps forge long lasting friendships and professional relationships too. #londoncraftweek #contemporarycraft #jewellerydesigner #hattongarden #paneldiscussion

Elevating Craft   Hong Kong-born, London-based curator TF Chan studied at Princeton University, before getting a job at Wallpaper* magazine in London, where he started as an intern and worked his way up to editor. During his time there, he had two formative conversations: one with the ceramicist Magdalene Odundo; the other with the artist Theaster Gates. “Through them I gained an appreciation for artworks that require material intelligence and skill of the hand,” he says.   Now, he is the director of Collect, the international fair for contemporary craft and design held at London’s Somerset House. The fair’s non-profit status - established by the Crafts Council in 2004 - sets it apart. As TF says, “It’s about supporting the artists who dedicate their lives to pursuing craft, and the ecosystem around them – the galleries that make it possible for the artists to work, and the various organisations that facilitate their visibility.”   Read more about TF Chan’s work on the #TOASTmagazine via the link in bio.   Words by Chloë Ashby. Photography by Lesley Lau.

Last night we hosted our ‘In Conversation’ with exhibiting artist Carmen Mardonez, led by writer and editor, Francesca Perry with TF Chan (Director of Collect). Carmen Mardonez | Chromatic Solace presented by Hannah Payne Art Carmen shared her love of colour, expression, and function, and how her practice has evolved in scale and concept since moving to the UK and becoming a mother. In front of the 6m wide textile piece, the speakers reflected on their personal responses. The artist and speakers also talked about the success of the lighting in drawing out the bright colours and individual threads that make up Carmen’s work. This event celebrated our ongoing relationship with Collect, which we’re proud to keep developing. Thank you to all of our contributors. Full exhibition info via the link in bio. On view until 26 June. 🧵 @desbordado @hannah_payne_art @collectartfair @tf_chan @francescaperry_editorwriter @tmlighting TM Gallery, 7 Cubitt St. London, WC1X 0LN 📷: @davidowensphoto #BringingArtToLight #TMLighting #TMGallery

🏆 Artist of the Fair Award (2/2): Jongjin Park (@jongjinpark_ceramics ) represented by @daguetbresson.art @floriandaguetbresson Artist of the Fair is awarded to an artist whose work best embodies Collect’s values – artistic originality and intellectual content; excellence in process and skill; and a clear sense of creative progression. Jongjin Park impressed the judging panel with his innova$ve technique of soaking paper in clay slip and stacking them into densely layered works that have an almost archaeological quality. They also noted his remarkable use of colour and pattern, evoking surprise and delight in the viewer. 📸 @shinmiura #Collect2026 #Collectartfair #ContemporaryCraft

Artist of the Fair Award: is awarded to an artist whose work best embodies Collect’s values – artistic originality and intellectual content; excellence in process and skill; a deep understanding of materials, scale, colour and texture; and a clear sense of creative progression and new ideas. Vadim Kibardin (@kibardindesign ) , represented by @miakarlovagalerie , was selected by the judges for his elevation of humble materials into elegant and alluring forms, showing the range of his skillset by presenting sculptural seating and statement lighting. Through the translation of recycled materials and the ethos that the artist imbues within them, the works become aesthetically striking and life-affirming. #Collect2026 #Collectartfair

Last month, I was honoured to present the curation Layered Narratives at @doverstreetmarketlondon ahead of Collect 2026. ⁠ Vessels and forms rich in colour and personal narrative, mirroring Dover Street Market’s dynamic energy and showcasing artistic innovation. ⁠ What carries craft forward is commissioning. As designers, collectors, journalists and architects, we hold real agency. Commissioning is not simply a transaction it is a sign of belief. It is choosing people over mass production, and investing in skills, knowledge and cultural continuity. ⁠The exhibition was presented at DSM ahead of Collect Open, sitting within a space that continually redefines how art, fashion and craft can exist together. TF Chan brought a compelling new dimension to the Collect Open environment this year, expanding his practice with a sensitivity to material and form that speaks to an ongoing commitment to evolution. Since its founding, Dover Street Market has remained committed to supporting artists and creative risk-taking creating a space that is as much about dialogue and discovery as it is about display. Thank you to @collectartfair @amyjaynehughes @ebonyrussell.art @christurrellceramics @mattsmithart @cynthia_corbett “The rule is there are no rules.” This openness that allows artists and makers to not only be seen, but truly supported and for new narratives to emerge. 📷 @katemartinphoto