"Rental United", the studio of Stephanie Sin and Damon Tong, is one of the 59 studios in the remote industrial area, Fotan, in Hong Kong.

 

From a Hakka fish village to an industrial estate, residential area, and nowadays a creative cluster, Fotan, a neglected district of Hong Kong, has been transformed drastically in the last century. Ten years ago, a few artists rented a flat in one of the industrial buildings in Fotan and use the space as their working studio. As word spread among friends, people from different creative disciplines start moving into the empty flats of buildings in the area. Soon after, the name Fotanian was introduced, following the first Open Studio event. With growing support from the government and commercial sectors throughout recent years, the annual Fotanian: Open Studio event gives life to the silent weekends of a remote industrial area and turn it into a vibrant, festive art celebration.

 

Fotanian: Open Studio 2010 is packed with excitement and enthusiasm. 224 artists from 59 studios are opening their doors giving visitors a glimpse behind the art scene and explore the cluster of lively studios and creative industries in Fotan. You are invited to a world of varied art form, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, mixed media, printmaking, installations, photography and video, etc. To foster the sharing and exchange of ideas, visitors are encouraged to engage in open dialogue with the artists in an approachable and friendly atmosphere.

Date: 16 - 17 & 23 - 24 January 2010