Tao Lixia's characterful apartment in Shanghai

"The environment can be a profound reflection of a person's inner state"

Recognised for her work as a writer, literary translator and photographer, Tao Lixia has firmly established herself within the environs of the literary world, garnering a loyal collective of followers in the process. Her translation of ‘Night Flight West’ is one of her most notable publications, exploring themes of self-reflection and the fleeting nature of life – tropes contemplated throughout her expressive body of work. 

This article first appeared on andtradition.com

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Situated in the Huangpu District of Shanghai, Tao’s characterful apartment is part of a larger network of buildings named Shaannan Village. Built in 1930, the complex is composed of four symmetrically distributed apartment blocks, carefully configured to increase the flow of air and sunlight throughout each residency. As the sun moves around the building during the day, pools of sunlight find their way into every corner of the apartment.  

“I believe that lighting is crucial in a creative environment” says Lixia. “I prefer bright light, so a good writing space should have adequate lighting. Natural light from windows is best, as windows bring a sense of freedom and allow for contemplation” 

Towards the end of the day when natural light fades, Lixia uses portable lamps and pendants to create an atmosphere of warmth and enhanced focus. “I keep small lamps on in the bedroom and living room, and wherever the gentle lights illuminate becomes the boundary of the story I want to write.” 

In a space where her work and personal life coexist in such close proximity, it becomes clear how the interplay between the two is what grounds her practice. “The living environment can be a profound reflection of a person’s inner state” notes Lixia. “By examining one’s living environment, people can identify existing problems and address them.” 

Traces of this dialogue between work and play can be found in every corner of Tao’s apartment, but most clearly manifest in the playful addition of a red ping pong table which functions as a desk during the day and transforms into a means of entertaining friends and socialising in the evening. 

Every room in Tao’s home demonstrates an honest sensibility towards how a space can inform an artistic process and the resulting works. Drawing inspiration from the residences of Coco Chanel, Sanmao and Louise Bourgeois, her eclectic home is a tangible extension of her work and daily rituals.  

A miscellany of books, ceramics, cups and sentimental objects – each room culminates in establishing a feeling of creative chaos. “I don’t think tidiness is a necessity” Lixia asserts. “My desk is often messy, but it doesn’t hinder my creativity. It is more important to have a space that makes me feel free, with enough room for thinking and self-expression.” 

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Words & Images by &Tradition

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