In the quiet of her Atelier, located in elegant 19th-century milanese villa, JoAnn Tan explores her more private, intimate creativity, developing ideas for hernamesake artworks.
In this peaceful haven, immersed in nature, Tan explores thought-provoking themes that deeply intrigue her – aging, death, and decay. “I am particularly interested in transforming people’s perception of these unsightly subjects by applying the same intense craftsmanship usually reserved for ‘beautiful’ objects,” says Tan.
Through meticulously handcrafted small sculptures, she brings these concepts to life. Each piece is the result of hundreds of hours spent prototyping and crafting with natural materials : they are made from paper, crafted using a pleating technique that Tan has been refining over the years, one-millimeter pins to knit bamboo threads, and silk and cotton fabrics.
These minute artworks reflect a quote by Democritus: “The world is decay, life is perception.” This creed emphasizes that while the physical universe is constantly changing and inevitably decaying, an individual’s experience of life is shaped solely by their perspective and thoughts.
JoAnn Tan, Apple Core, 2025 Paper sculpture made using paper pleating techniques to obtain a 3d effect. Three weeks of work between prototyping and production. 10 x 16 cm Paper Would you like to receive more information about this artwork? Contact us hello@joanntanstudio.com
JoAnn Tan, Slug, 2025 Bamboo threads knitted with one-millimeter diameter lace needles. Six weeks of work between prototyping and production. 13 x 4 cm Bamboo yarn Would you like to receive more information about this artwork? Contact us hello@joanntanstudio.com
JoAnn Tan, Rabbit Skull, 2026 Paper sculpture made using paper pleating and papercraft techniques to obtain a 3d effect. Eight weeks of work between prototyping and production. 16 x 8 cm Paper Would you like to receive more information about this artwork? Contact us hello@joanntanstudio.com
JoAnn Tan, Grape Stalk, 2026 Pleated paper grapes and stalk in metal wire wrapped in mercerized cotton with tips in resin beads. Two weeks of work between prototyping and production. 20 x 12 cm Iron thread, cotton and paper Would you like to receive more information about this artwork? Contact us hello@joanntanstudio.com
JoAnn Tan, Fish Bones, 2026 The fish skeleton is made using paper pleating and papercraft techniques to obtain a 3d effect. Metal frame and nylon wrapped in mercerized cotton. Three weeks of work between prototyping and production. 25 x 12 cm Paper and cotton thread Would you like to receive more information about this artwork?…
JoAnn Tan, Cockroach, 2026 The insect is made using paper pleating and papercraft techniques to obtain a 3d effect. Bones made in metal wire and nylon wrapped in mercerized cotton. Four weeks of work between prototyping and production. 12 x 12 cm Paper and cotton thread Want to purchase this artwork? Contact us hello@joanntanstudio.com
JoAnn Tan, Piece of Bread, 2026 Rolls of paper and velvet ribbon, with ants made of beads and copper wire. Two weeks of work between prototyping and production. 10 x 7 cm Paper, velvet and beads Would you like to receive more information about this artwork? Contact us hello@joanntanstudio.com
JoAnn Tan, Banana Peel, 2026 Fabric sculpture made of 100% silk, the inside is embroidered in cotton and silk. Eight weeks of work between prototyping and production. 25 x 15 cm, Silk and cotton Would you like to receive more information about this artwork? Contact us hello@joanntanstudio.com
