Jessica Wang | Collector Profile
Step inside the home and collection of tastemaker Jessica Wang. Known for her sharp eye for detail—the texture of a fabric, the line of a silhouette, the mood of a color palette—she brings the same creative sensibility that defines her fashion work into her home. Her New York City sanctuary reflects her belief that art is not merely decoration but the soul of a space—what makes a room feel intentional, personal, and alive. Each piece she chooses tells part of her story, transforming the everyday into a beautifully curated narrative. She shares her newly acquired works by Tappan artists Ali Beletic, AOTH and Brian Merriam , and her philosophy on collecting with us in her Collector Profile.
Artwork by Ali Beletic and Brian Merriam
“My philosophy is to collect what you love, period. If a piece gives you butterflies, sparks an idea, or just makes you happy when you look at it, that’s all the justification you need. Art is for you, first and foremost.”
Artwork by Ali Beletic
Artwork by Brian Merriam and AOTHQ&A:
Why would you recommend Tappan to someone looking for art?
Oh, easily. Tappan just gets it. They make the art world feel welcoming and exciting, not intimidating. It’s like having a super-stylish friend who knows all the coolest new artists and is excited to introduce you. You’re not just buying a piece; you’re discovering someone’s story, which is so much more meaningful.
What inspires you to collect the work of emerging artists?
There’s a special kind of magic in finding an artist early in their career. Their work has this raw, immediate energy you can almost feel their ambition and passion. It’s like being let in on a secret. You get to be a part of their story as it's unfolding, and that connection makes the art feel so much more alive in your home.
What is your earliest memory of art, and what led you to start collecting it?
I have this distinct memory of being a kid in a museum, staring at a giant abstract painting and being totally floored by its texture. I couldn’t wrap my head around how paint could do that. That fascination with the feel of things never went away. I started collecting when I realized I wanted to live with that feeling every day, not just see it in a gallery. I wanted to build a world around me that felt tactile and inspiring.
How has the sentimentality of your collection evolved over time?
It has definitely evolved!
My first few purchases were probably driven by the classic “will this look good over the couch” question. Now, it’s so much deeper. I’m drawn to the narrative. Does this piece make me feel something? Does it challenge me? My collection now feels less like decoration and more like a visual diary of who I was, who I am, and who I’m becoming.
Is there a particular type of art you collect?
I don’t stick to one medium, but I’m always drawn to pieces with a strong, confident hand and a bit of raw energy. I love seeing the artist’s process in the final work. For example, the pieces we have from AOTH and Ali Beletic have this incredible gestural quality and textural depth, they feel primal and sophisticated at the same time. That’s the kind of tension I love.
Artwork by Ali Beletic
Where and when do you feel the most creative?
Honestly, my best ideas strike in transit or after midnight. Since I’m always on the go, my most reliable creative space is an airplane seat. That forced disconnection at 30,000 feet gives my brain the quiet it needs. That, and late nights when the city has finally calmed down and my thoughts have room to breathe.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
My inspiration comes from everywhere, truly. My brain is always collecting visual notes, so my camera roll is a chaotic but happy mix of runway shots, architectural details, and art I love. I believe it’s all connected, the line, color, and texture that make a design compelling are the same, whether it’s in a piece of clothing or a painting.
For new collectors, do you have any advice you wish to impart? Do you have a collecting ethos or philosophy that you want to share?
Just dive in! Forget the idea that you have to be an expert. See what you’re drawn to, what your eye keeps coming back to online or in a gallery. My philosophy is to collect what you love, period. If a piece gives you butterflies, sparks an idea, or just makes you happy when you look at it, that’s all the justification you need. Art is for you, first and foremost.
Describe your collection in three words.
Textural, Instinctive, Alive.
Share three people in the creative space who are inspiring you right now.
1. Phoebe Philo: Her return is everything. She has such an intelligent, uncompromising approach to design that is just endlessly cool.
2. Axel Vervoordt: He’s a master of creating spaces that feel both ancient and completely modern. His use of texture and natural materials is a huge inspiration.
3. Kenya Hara: His design philosophy for Muji is brilliant, finding the profound in simplicity. It’s a great reminder to look for the beauty in the essential.
