Shanghai writer Fan Xiaochun breaks the philosophical mold with new book

Fan's multi-disciplinary background enabled her to look at things from a variety of perspectives, such as philosophy, architecture and literature, which is reflected in Jamais Vu, which means "never seen" in French.

The book, designed by German Red Dot Design Award winner Sun Xiaoxi, presents 24 letters on more than 100 sheets of cards that are compiled in ring binders like a photo album, with pages of Fan's visual art works,

"I'm willing to explore more creative designs for my books. I hope by adding my paintings and photographs it will help readers get a deeper understanding of my ideas." Fan says.

She finished most of the book last year while she was working as the artist-in-residence at the Swatch Art Peace Hotel in Shanghai.

Fan says her time in the residential artistic community provided her with an ideal environment to immerse herself in her creative work and communicate with other artists.

"I also had enough time to learn German as I gear up for my doctorate program." Fan says.

As a straight-A student, she has strong self-discipline and enjoys encouraging her followers.

Wu Jiacheng, a 25-year-old singer who made his debut in entertainment circles in 2015 through a TV talent show, boasts three million followers on Sina Weibo.

As one of Fan's friends, he says she kept him hard at work not only in singing and acting, but also by encouraging him to learn English.

"A rising star like Wu has the potential to influence the younger generations. That's why I want to inspire him in a positive way," says Fan. "I'd like to be a teacher in the future."