Fong-Leng (1937) was born on ’de Kaap’ (Katendrecht, Rotterdam) to Chinese-Dutch parents. She became world-famous for a spectacular series of coats and gowns in which oriental techniques and motifs were combined into a stylish look for the Dutch beau monde at that time. The exhibition explored how, forty years later, a new generation of artists, fashion designers and illustrators was creating a distinct profile for themselves and, in the spirit of Fong-Leng, were drawing on their cultural roots to sketch a contemporary image of our society.
The exhibition space was designed by interior architect Dada Wang as a mise en scène, a living room setting in which Fong-Leng’s gowns and the works by the other artists gathered as colourful personages.
The exhibition took place at Het Gemaal op Zuid, a joint project space in South Rotterdam by TENT/CBK Rotterdam Kosmopolis Rotterdam and Museum Rotterdam.
Far From Fong came about thanks in part to Programma Cultuurbereik dienst Kunst & Cultuur, Museum Rotterdam, Centrum Beeldende Kunst Rotterdam, School voor Fotografie, Wendelien Daan, Ferry van der Nat and China op de Kaap festival. With special thanks to Fong-Leng.
Het Gemaal op Zuid was supported by the Pact op Zuid programme and housing corporation Vestia.