In Their Shoes: Art Collector Snow Li
The Chinese mogul and patron dishes on her passion for art and design.
“I wanted to create a majlis to host local friends,” says Chinese businesswoman and collector Snow Feinan Li. “They inspire me a lot with their culture and I now consider Abu Dhabi my second home.” From Dubai-based artist collective Ramin Haerizadeh, Rokni Haerizadeh, and Hesam Rahmanian to Salvador Dali, Li’s sprawling home on Reem Island boasts highly acclaimed art and design objects from regional talents and modern masters. In the latest episode of Level’s “In Their Shoes” series, the Louvre Abu Dhabi patron discusses her style, collection, and affinity for the UAE capital.
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How long have you lived in Abu Dhabi?
I have been in Abu Dhabi for the past two years and this home was handed to me eight months ago. It has been an ongoing, non-stop project. I wanted to create a majlis to host local friends. They inspire me a lot with their culture. I consider Abu Dhabi my second home.
What is your approach to collecting?
Every piece is very special to me because they have been carefully selected and acquired for the collection. I have focussed on a few artists so I can go on a journey with them. I have different artists from different countries. Ramin Haerizadeh, Rokni Haerizadeh, and Hesam Rahmanian are my favorite artists at the moment. I also have the last canvas of UAE master Hassan Sharif before he passed away as well as a canvas from Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim, who presented a solo exhibition for The National Pavilion UAE at the Venice Biennale in 2022. My mission is to contribute to different museums and to leave a legacy.
How do the worlds of art and style most overlap?
Art and fashion are very different. Art is collectible while style must be created because it reflects your own personality, who you are, how you live in this world, and how you present yourself to the world.
How would you describe your sense of style?
I repeat, repeat, and repeat items because I am focused. As a businesswoman, I have a lot of meetings from 5:30 in the morning so I don’t have time to think about what to wear. I don’t think you can find any heels in my collection. I like to be very comfortable.
What is your relationship with the Louvre Abu Dhabi?
I recently donated four significant contemporary artworks to Louvre Abu Dhabi. They named me the first donor of the museum. It was my honor to donate and it was made possible thanks to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the French community.
