Feng Boyi - The Emergence of District 798

The Emergence of District 798

District 798 was once a factory, but was then turned into housing for artists in China. Artists were seeking more space and a cheaper rent. " 798 became home to the offices of graphic and interior designers, publicists and small ad agencies; to designer cafés, nightclubs, restaurants, boutiques and fashion-show venues; and to the studio/homes of dozens of artists..." What added to the success of 798 was some of the early domestic and international art exhibitions, with the curation help of Feng Boyi. It began with the exhibition Beijing Afloat which was curated by Feng Boyi. In September 2003, fourteen different exhibitions were organized. The Left Hang-Right Hand exhibition was curated by Feng Boyi, and it included both Chinese and East German Artists in the 798 Space Gallery. However, District 798 is does not have the same feel to it as it once did. It has become extremely commercialized and a lot of the original artists who once lived there have left. It is now a popular place for tourists to go to, but many artists criticize District 798 for what it has become, because it is different now for what it was originally. The rents are much higher and it is now more under control of the government, which is what artists wanted to avoid.