The one thing that intrigued me the most during my time at Cité Internationale des Arts was the two-day Open Studio that takes place every two months. Open Studio is like a small joint exhibition, where artists-in-residence can apply to participate. Participating artists will turn their own room into an exhibition space for the two days of Open Studio, opening up their doors and inviting everyone to see their works. The studios at Cité Internationale des Arts are relatively the same in terms of size, but usually visual artists’ studios are wider, more convenient to work in. Different countries rent different studios, and size of studio differs accordingly.

Open Studio is a great opportunity to directly learn the works and creative concepts of an artist. Artists participating in the exhibition will display their works carefully in their studios as if they are arranging an actual exhibition, and invite audiences to come and share their works and creative beliefs. There is always a sense of anticipation and surprise when walking into a studio, and through the works and brief conversations with the artists, one gets to learn all about the artist’s works and ideas. Also, an informal and creative exhibition like this creates a relaxed atmosphere and facilitates the flow of words, and the audiences and artists can all interact and share freely.

Open Studio turns the originally quite and calm Cité Internationale des Arts robust and vibrant. Whenever I saw a work, I would think about how the artist conversed with own creativity in his or her little studio; or I would think about how the history carried by or flowing inside an artist facilitated the work. Open Studio was also an opportunity for me to learn. From the different studios and different works, I could always gain some ideas and sentiments, and I believe this is a special and lucky experience. This way of gaining first hand knowledge of and direct contact with the works of young artists from around the world is much more special and precious compared to common exhibitions.