b'words: Allyson Madsen chez moi pictures: Simon Devittartistic licence Michael Lett Gallery OwnerCollecting contemporary art has been a lifelong passionThe light is really beautiful, he says. It is a cornerGet this look with for Michael Lett, who recently opened his own galleryspace with big, old-fashioned sash windows looking out Resene Zylone SpaceCote low sheen on Aucklands K Road. He lives upstairs, and it seemedto busy K Road. I have the constant feeling of beingwaterborne enamel only natural to make his home a private extension of involved with the city.tinted to Resene Alabaster, for a tough, the gallery. Theurbansetting,handyrestaurants,andavillagelow-sheen finish.All the walls are white.atmosphere where he knows the posties and even the I have used colour as a neutral palette, like a blankworking girls, add to the local charm.canvas, so that the art can take prominence, he says.Living with contemporary art is a privilege. Living with contemporary art is a privilege. I get theI get the opportunity to spend time with it opportunity to spend time with itto really appreciate it. to really appreciate itIt will always be a large part of my life.The artworks frequently changeat the moment, he Although he says they are insular, his home and office do is collecting plastic furnishings from the 60s and 70s.blend together, particularly when artists gather for a glass And what else does he love about home? of wine. Or is that work, perhaps, after all?| 55'