When we arrive at Ruby Kwan’s flat, we are instantly drawn to how seamlessly her personal aesthetic flows through every corner, with clean lines, soft light, and artistic touches that speak to her impeccable taste. As the Vice President and Head of Corporate Marketing at an insurance company, Ruby is known for her sharp professional presence. But beyond her executive role, she’s a beloved lifestyle blogger with a discerning eye for fashion, art, and all things beautiful.

Her home is not just where she relaxes, it’s a living gallery of her journey as a collector and creator.

The First Spark: Paul Koh’s The Cat Night Out (2012)

Ruby’s collecting journey began at the first Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong in 2013, where she purchased her very first artwork, The Cat Night Out, by Singaporean artist Paul Koh.

The connection was instant. The playful composition and the ruby-red heels in the painting reminded her of her early career days in the banking industry, elegantly walking to work in her four-inch heels beside her cat, Licqoo, her “styling partner” every morning.

“This piece reflects a part of me, my energy, my life with my cat, and my love for art. It had to come home with me.”

The Emotional Connection: Jihea Park’s Hug (2022)

This theme of personal connection continued with her second acquisition: a serene mixed-media painting, “Hug”, also purchased at Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong.

Drawn to its soft textures and the delicate embroidery details on the figure’s dress, Ruby felt an emotional resonance between the artwork and her bond with her cat, Luna. Early in her collecting journey, Ruby’s choices were led by emotion, “art that touches my heart and soul,” as she puts it. Her philosophy remains simple:  

“If you like it, and the price is right, go for it!” 

For Ruby, collecting art is not about prestige, but joy, bringing something into your home that adds warmth, emotion, and beauty to daily life.  

As Ruby’s involvement in the art world deepened, so did her curiosity. She began exploring mineral pigment painting and later earned a Diploma in New Ink Art from the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Immersing herself in artistic practice transformed her perspective.

“Through learning theory and technique, I learned to appreciate the process, not just the image.”

This shift also led her taste to evolve from representational pieces to semi-abstract works that balance emotion with form. 

The Mentor’s Touch: Chung Tai Fu’s Full Moon (2019)  

Among Ruby’s more recent acquisitions is Full Moon by Chung Tai Fu, an artist she deeply admires and has studied under. This etching resonated with Ruby and her husband for several reasons: their shared love of the moon (their cat, Luna, is even named after it) and the artwork’s edition number five, which is a lucky and meaningful number for her.  Collecting works by local Hong Kong artists like Mr Chung is part of Ruby’s conscious effort to support the city’s art scene.  

“It’s important to engage with local artists, to understand their stories, their motivations, and to give back to the creative community.”  

Beauty and tranquillity of life: Katy Mak’s Lotus leaf (2022)

True to her collecting ritual, Ruby never makes impulsive decisions at an Affordable Art Fair. Her approach is one of mindful discovery, walking through the fair, allowing artworks to leave an emotional imprint, and then circling back to reflect.  

This process led her to Katy Mak’s Lotus Leaf, a contemporary ink painting by a Hong Kong artist who left the finance industry to pursue her artistic career in 2016, whose work expresses a sense of calm and the meditative qualities of nature. The connection between artist, artwork, and shared background made the piece feel destined for her home.  

Ruby recommends the Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong to anyone interested in starting or expanding their art collection. Her golden rule?  

“See everything first. Let the art speak to you, then come back for the one you can’t stop thinking about.” 

Through Ruby Kwan’s eyes, we see that collecting art isn’t about creating a gallery; it’s about building a reflection of your life, layer by layer, in beauty, emotion, and meaning.  

Thanks so much to Ruby for chatting with us and sharing her home art collection! Follow her on Instagram for more inspiration @rougecloset. 

The 2026 Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong will return on May 14-17. Secure your tickets and discover the piece that will tell your story!